Sensors

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to an assembly comprising an elastic semi-conductive or conductive track and a flexible conductive support base arranged on a fabric. The present invention also relates to the use of a silicone rubber and/or fluorosilicone rubber loaded with an electrically conductive material for the preparation of the semi-conductive or conductive track, as well as to the use of a conductive fabric, that comprises conductive fibres for the preparation of the conductive support base. It further relates to a sensor comprising the assembly, wherein one of the flexible conductive support bases there is arranged a rigid electrical component, and the non-contact area of the other flexible conductive support base is adapted to be used as an electrode, wherein the electrode is characterized in that the conductive layer comprises a plurality of orificies filled with a silicone rubber and/or fluorosilicone rubber throughout the conductive area. The present invention also relates to a device comprising the sensor, as well as a garment comprising the device.

This application is a Continuation-in-Part and claims priority pursuantto 35 U.S.C. §120 to Ser. No. 13/988,007, filed May 13, 2013, a 35U.S.C. §371 US national stage application of International PatentApplication PCT/EP2011/070296, filed Nov. 16, 2011, which claimspriority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(a) to EP Patent Application2010191590.8, filed Nov. 17, 2010, and claims priority pursuant to 35U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/427,864, filedDec. 29, 2010; this application is also a bypass Continuation-in-Partthat claims priority to International Patent ApplicationPCT/EP2012/056573, filed Apr. 11, 2012, which claims priority pursuantto 35 U.S.C. §119(a) to EP Patent Application 2011162135.5, filed Apr.12, 2011, and claims priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S.Provisional Patent Application 61/474,484, filed Apr. 12, 2011, and thisContinuation-in-Part application also claims priority pursuant to 35U.S.C. §119(a) to EP Patent Application 2012174367.8, filed Jun. 29,2012, claims priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application 61/666,623, filed Jun. 29, 2012, each of which ishereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Sensors comprising electrodes, a track and an electrical connector areused extensively in the assessment of clinical condition, for example,without limitation, in the monitoring of a cardiac condition. Theelectrodes are placed in contact with the skin of an individual,including, without limitation, a human body and the electricalphysiological signals which result are examined. The physiologicalsignals themselves are transported through an electrically conductivetrack to an electrical connector which couples with an electronicinstrument for receiving, collecting, storing, processing and/ortransmitting the data generated by a sensor. Such data may be used tomonitor and/or evaluate the health and/or physical state of a wearer.

While using a sensor can provide an accurate measurement of a signal,there are several factors that can affect the signal quality, including,without limitation, stability, noise and/or sensibility. Theselimitations are due, at least in part, to factors such as motion. Thiscan be exacerbated when a sensor is included in a garment. In such asituation, the electrode and track of a sensor need to be integrated ina garment in a minimally invasive manner that allows, for example,without limitation, flexiblity, and comfort to an individual's body,including in movement and be resistant to degredation due to repeatedwashing. At the same time, a sensor must also be capable of measuring asignal accurately.

To reduce background noise, one solution has been to attach a sensor tothe skin with an adhesive. An issue with such an arrangement has beenthe lack of comfort and the inability to reuse the sensor as it can onlybe applied once to an individual at which point it is usually disposed.Therefore, there is a need for a sensor that is integrated in a fabric,such as, without limitation, a garment, wherein an adhesive iseliminated and is replaced with a sensor that is applied to the skin ofan individual using the fabric's pressure to the body. One way in whichpressure can be created is to make a sensor flexible, elastic and withimproved adhesion properties, but avoiding adhesive elements, so that itcan adapt to every different type of body. This includes making thetrack flexible and elastic and the electrode flexible and with improvedanti-slip property such that every movement made by an individual's bodywill be translated into an electrode and a track keeping it in place,while an individual is in motion while retaining the fidelity of thesignal. To accomplish this result, a track can be constructed of aflexible and elastic conductive material, for example, withoutlimitation, a silicone conductive rubber.

A problem facing the developers of advanced electronic textiles is howto interconnect electrical components and electronic devices with eachother and with electrical connectors via electrically conductive tracksprovided on the fabric substrate of an electronic garment. It is knownin the field of electronic fabrics, when the substrate is a wearable,elastic and flexible garment, the integration of rigid elements createsa weakness and frequently the rigid element will break the garment whenit is stretched.

With regard to a silicone conductive rubber, one issue related to theuse of this material in a garment is that the garment can be damagedduring the curing process. This has limited the use of siliconeconductive rubber as a means to connect an electrode to an electronicconnector until a means to cure it on a fabric at room. Other drawbacksof a sensor where the track is made by a semi-conductive elasticmaterial include having a mechanically weak linkage between the trackand an electrical connector when the fabric is stretched. One result isthat the fabric can tear after suffering a physical stress.

The development of a sensor and a garment comprising a sensor withflexibility and elasticity which allows recording physiological signals,especially in movement, with improved adhesion properties but avoidingadhesive elements which produce skin irritations is of great interest.In addition, the development of an improved silicone conductive elastictrack and electrical connector assembly in wearable fabric and a methodto cure a silicone conductive rubber at room temperature, including,without limitation, on a garment, is of great interest.

SUMMARY

In an aspect, the present invention is:

-   1. An assembly comprising an elastic semi-conductive or conductive    track and a flexible conductive support base assembly arranged on a    fabric, the flexible conductive base being a textile comprising    conductive fibers and having at least one of its ends shaped,    wherein at least one end of the track is in contact with said at    least one shaped end of at least one flexible conductive support    base, and the non-contact area by the track of the at least one    flexible conductive support base is in electrical contact with a    rigid electrical component.-   2. The assembly of embodiment 1, wherein each end of the track are    treading on two different flexible conductive support bases.-   3. The assembly of embodiment 2, wherein on the non-treaded area of    one of the flexible conductive support bases there is arranged a    rigid electrical component, and the non-treaded area of the other    flexible conductive support base is adapted to be used as an    electrode.-   4. The assembly of embodiment 1, wherein the conductive support base    is attached to the fabric with an adhesive.-   5. The assembly of embodiment 1, wherein the track comprises a layer    of silicone rubber and/or fluorosilicone rubber loaded with an    electrically conductive material.-   6. The assembly of embodiment 1, wherein the track comprises a layer    of a room temperature curing silicone rubber and/or fluorsilicone    rubber loaded with an electrically conductive material selected from    carbon fibres, carbon black, nickel coated graphite, copper fibres    and mixtures thereof.-   7. The assembly of embodiment 1, wherein the thickness of the    elastic and electrically conductive track comprising a thickness of    at least 25 μm, 50 μm, 75 μm, 100 μm, 120 μm, 130 μm, 140 μm, 150    μm, 160 μm, 170 μm, 180 μm, 190 μm, 200 μm, 210 μm, 220 μm, 230 μm,    240 μm, 250 μm, 260 μm, 270 μm, 280 μm, 290 μm, 300 μm, 325 μm, 350    μm, 375 μm, 400 μm, 425 μm, 450 μm, 475 μm, 500 μm, 525 μm, 550 μm,    575 μm, 600 μm, 625 μm, 650 μm, 675 μm, 700 μm, 725 μm, 750 μm, 775    μm, 800 μm, 825 μm, 850 μm, 875 μm, 900 μm, 925 μm, 950 μm, 975 μm,    1000 μm.-   8. The assembly of embodiment 5, wherein the track is integrated    into the textile fabric substrate and partially into the at least    one shaped end of the conductive support base by anchoring the    silicone with the structure of the fibres of the textile fabric    substrate and the conductive support base when cured the silicone at    room temperature after being screen-printed on them.-   9. The assembly of embodiment 1, wherein the silicone rubber and/or    fluorosilicone rubber is screen-printed on a fabric and on the at    least one round shaped end of the conductive support base applying a    pressure comprising at least 0.1 Kg/m², at least 0.2 Kg/m², at least    0.3 Kg/m², at least 0.4 Kg/m², at least 0.5 Kg/m², at least 0.6    Kg/m², at least 0.7 Kg/m², at least 0.8 Kg/m², at least 0.9 Kg/m²,    at least 1 Kg/m².-   10. The assembly according of embodiment 1, wherein the cured    temperature of the silicone rubber and/or fluorosilicone rubber    loaded with an electrically conductive material is of from 20° C. to    200° C., of from 50° C. to 140° C. or of from 100° C. to 120° C.-   11. The assembly according of embodiment 1, wherein the cured    temperature of the silicone rubber and/or fluorosilicone rubber    loaded with an electrically conductive material is no more than 5°    C., no more than 10° C., no more than 15° C., no more than 20° C.,    no more than 25° C., no more than 30° C., no more than 35° C., no    more than 40° C., no more than 45° C., no more than 50° C., no more    than 55° C., no more than 60° C., no more than 65° C., no more than    70° C., no more than 75° C., no more than 80° C., no more than 85°    C., no more than 90° C., no more than 95° C., no more than 100° C.,    no more than 110° C., no more than 120° C., no more than 130° C., no    more than 140° C., no more than 150° C., no more than 160° C., no    more than 165, no more than 170° C., no more than 180° C., no more    than 190° C., no more than 200° C., no more than 210° C., no more    than 220° C., no more than 230° C., no more than 240° C., no more    than 250° C., no more than 260° C., no more than 270° C., no more    than 280° C., no more than 290° C. or no more than 300° C.-   12. A sensor adapted to be incorporated in a garment, said sensor    comprising an assembly of embodiment 3, wherein the electrode is    adapted to obtain physiological signals through its contact with the    skin of the wearer of the garment.-   13. The sensor of embodiment 12, wherein a track is electrically    isolated from its contact with the skin of the wearer of the    garment, and a rigid electrical component is an electrical connector    adapted to transmit a physiological signal obtained through the    electrode to an electronic instrument.-   14. The sensor of embodiment 12, wherein the electrode comprises a    conductive fabric made of conductive fibers and non-conductive    fibers.-   15. The sensor of embodiment 12, wherein the electrode is    characterized in that the conductive layer comprises a plurality of    orificies filled with an silicone rubber throughout the conductive    area.-   16. A device comprising the sensor as defined in embodiment 12, and    an electronic instrument for receiving, collecting, storing,    processing and/or transmitting data from said sensor.-   17. A garment comprising the device of embodiment 16.-   18. A method for monitoring a physiological signal of a user    comprising receiving, collecting, storing, processing and/or    transmitting one or more parameters indicative of at least one    physiological signal of a user originating from at least one sensor    as defined in embodiment 13 incorporated in a garment; and    evaluating said physiological signal along the time.-   19. The method of embodiment 18, wherein the physiological signal is    an ECG signal.-   20. A sensor which comprises an electrode, a track and an electrical    connector, wherein, the track is comprising an electrically    conductive flexible and elastic material that comprises an    electrically conductive material that is non-continguous that when    stretched is able to transmit a signal from an electrode to an    electrical connector and from an electrical connector to an    electrode.-   21. The sensor of embodiment 20, wherein an electrically conductive    flexible and elastic material is constructed of silicone rubber    and/or fluorosilicone rubber and an electrically conductive    material.-   22. The sensor of embodiment 21, wherein the silicone rubber and/or    fluorosilicone rubber is loaded with an amount comprising no more    than 1% w/w, 2% w/w, 3% w/w, 4% w/w, 5% w/w, 6% w/w, 7% w/w, 8% w/w,    9% w/w, 10% w/w, 11% w/w, 12% w/w, 13% w/w, 14% w/w, 15% w/w, 16%    w/w, 17% w/w, 18% w/w, 19% w/w, 20% w/w, 21% w/w, 22% w/w, 23% w/w,    24% w/w, 26% w/w, 27% w/w, 28% w/w, 29% w/w, 30% w/w, 31% w/w, 32%    w/w, 33% w/w, 34% w/w, 35% w/w, 36% w/w, 37% w/w, 38% w/w, 39% w/w,    40% w/w, 41% w/w, 42% w/w, 43% w/w, 44% w/w, 45% w/w, 46% w/w, 47%    w/w, 48% w/w, 49% w/w, 50% w/w, 51% w/w, 52% w/w, 53% w/w, 54% w/w,    55% w/w, 56% w/w, 57% w/w, 58% w/w, 59% w/w, 60% w/w, 65% w/w, 70%    w/w, 75% w/w, 80% w/w, 85% w/w, 90% w/w, 95% w/w or more of an    electrically conductive material.-   23. The sensor of embodiment 22, wherein the electrically conductive    material is selected from the group of carbon fibers, carbon black,    nickel coated graphite, copper fibres or a metal powder.-   24. The sensor of embodiment 23, wherein the carbon black is    selected from furnace black, lamp black, thermal black, acetylene    black, channel black-   25. The sensor of embodiment 23, wherein the metal powder is    selected from silver, nickel, and copper.-   26. The sensor of embodiment 21, wherein a resistance value, from    one end of a sensor, to the other is less than 50 KΩ, 100 KΩ, 150    KΩ, 200 KΩ, 250 KΩ, 300 KΩ, 350 KΩ, 400 KΩ, 450 KΩ, 500 KΩ, 550 KΩ,    600 KΩ, 650 KΩ, 700 KΩ, 750 KΩ, 800 KΩ, 850 KΩ, 900 KΩ, 950 KΩ or    100 KΩ when the flexible material is stretched.-   27. The sensor of embodiment 21, wherein the sensor is able to    stretch at least 1%, at least 2%, at least 3%, at least 4%, at least    5%, 6%, at least 7%, at least 8%, at least 9%, at least 10%, at    least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%,    at least 40%, at least 45%, at least 50%, at least 55%, at least    60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at    least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95% at least 100%, at least 105%,    at least 110%, at least 115%, at least 120%, at least 125%, at least    130%, at least 135%, at least 140%, at least 145%, at least 150%, at    least 155%, at least 160%, at least 165%, at least 170%, at least    175%, at least 180%, at least 185%, at least 190%, at least 195%, at    least 200%, at least 210%, at least 220%, at least 230%, at least    240%, at least 250%, at least 260%, at least 270%, at least 280%, at    least 290%, at least 300% or more as compared to the same sensor    when it is not stretched.-   28. The sensor of embodiment 22, wherein the silicone rubber is    cured at a temperature of no more than 5° C., no more than 10° C.,    no more than 15° C., no more than 20° C., no more than 25° C., no    more than 30° C., no more than 35° C., no more than 40° C., no more    than 45° C., no more than 50° C., no more than 55° C., no more than    60° C., no more than 65° C., no more than 70° C., no more than 75°    C., no more than 80° C., no more than 85° C., no more than 90° C.,    no more than 95° C., no more than 100° C., no more than 110° C., no    more than 120° C., no more than 130° C., no more than 140° C., no    more than 150° C., no more than 160° C., no more than 165, no more    than 170° C., no more than 180° C., no more than 190° C., no more    than 200° C., no more than 210° C., no more than 220° C., no more    than 230° C., no more than 240° C., no more than 250° C., no more    than 260° C., no more than 270° C., no more than 280° C., no more    than 290° C. or no more than 300° C.-   29. The sensor of embodiment 22, wherein the silicone rubber and/or    fluorosilicone rubber is liquid printed.-   30. The sensor of embodiment 22, wherein the silicone rubber and/or    fluorosilicone rubber is screen printed.-   31. The sensor of embodiment 22, wherein the silicone rubber and/or    fluorosilicone rubber has a molecular weight of at least 100 g/mol,    200 g/mol, 300 g/mol, 325 g/mol, 350 g/mol, 375 g/mol, 400 g/mol,    425 g/mol, 450 g/mol, 475 g/mol, 500 g/mol, 525 g/mol, 550 g/mol,    575 g/mol, 600 g/mol, 625 g/mol, 650 g/mol, 674 g/mol, 700 g/mol,    800 g/mol, 900 g/mol, 1000 g/mol, or more.-   32. The sensor of embodiment 22, wherein the silicone rubber and/or    fluorosilicone rubber has a molecular weight of no more than 100    g/mol, 200 g/mol, 300 g/mol, 325 g/mol, 350 g/mol, 375 g/mol, 400    g/mol, 425 g/mol, 450 g/mol, 475 g/mol, 500 g/mol, 525 g/mol, 550    g/mol, 575 g/mol, 600 g/mol, 625 g/mol, 650 g/mol, 674 g/mol, 700    g/mol, 800 g/mol, 900 g/mol or 1000 g/mol.-   33. The sensor of embodiment 21, wherein the electrode is    characterized in that the conductive layer comprises a plurality of    orificies filled with an silicone rubber throughout the conductive    area.-   34. The sensor of embodiment 21, wherein the resistance of the    electrode is at least 0.5Ω, at least 1Ω, at least 2Ω, at least, 3Ω,    at least 4Ω, at least 5Ω, at least 6Ω, at least 7Ω, at least 8Ω, at    least 9Ω, at least 10Ω, at least 11Ω, at least 12Ω, at least 13Ω, at    least 14Ω, or at least 15Ω or more.-   35. The sensor of embodiment 21, wherein the track is integrated    into the textile fabric substrate and partially into the at least    one round shaped end of the conductive support base by anchoring the    silicone with the structure of the fibers of the textile fabric    substrate and the conductive support base.-   36. The sensor of embodiment 21, where in at least an elastic and    electrically conductive track integrated into the fabric, and    wherein the elastic and electrically conductive track comprises a    silicone rubber and/or fluorosilicone rubber loaded with an    electrically conductive material, wherein the thickness of the    elastic and electrically conductive track is at least 25 μm, 50 μm,    75 μm, 100 μm, 120 μm, 130 μm, 140 μm, 150 μm, 160 μm, 170 μm, 180    μm, 190 μm, 200 μm, 210 μm, 220 μm, 230 μm, 240 μm, 250 μm, 260 μm,    270 μm, 280 μm, 290 μm, 300 μm, 325 μm, 350 μm, 375 μm, 400 μm, 425    μm, 450 μm, 475 μm, 500 μm, 525 μm, 550 μm, 575 μm, 600 μm, 625 μm,    650 μm, 675 μm, 700 μm, 725 μm, 750 μm, 775 μm, 800 μm, 825 μm, 850    μm, 875 μm, 900 μm, 925 μm, 950 μm, 975 μm, or 1000 μm.-   37. The sensor of embodiment 21, wherein the resistance of the track    is at least 1Ω, at least 2Ω, at least, 3Ω, at least 4Ω, at least 5Ω,    at least 6Ω, at least 7Ω, at least 8Ω, at least 9Ω, at least 10Ω, at    least 11Ω, at least 12Ω, at least 13Ω, at least 14Ω, at least 15Ω,    at least 16Ω, at least 17Ω, at least 18Ω, at least 19Ω, at least    20Ω, at least 21Ω, at least 22Ω, at least 23Ω, at least 24Ω, at    least 25Ω, at least 26Ω, at least 27Ω, at least 28Ω, at least 29Ω,    at least 30Ω, at least 31Ω, at least 32Ω, at least 33Ω, at least    34Ω, at least 35Ω, at least 36Ω, at least 37Ω, at least 38Ω, at    least 39Ω, at least 40Ω, at least 41Ω, at least 42Ω, at least 43Ω,    at least 44Ω, at least 45Ω, at least 46Ω, at least 47Ω, at least    48Ω, at least 49Ω, at least 50Ω, or more.-   38. The sensor of embodiment 21, wherein a track is electrically    isolated from its contact with the skin of the wearer of the    garment, and a rigid electrical component is an electrical connector    adapted to transmit a physiological signal obtained through the    electrode to an electronic instrument.-   39. The sensor of embodiment 21, wherein the sensor is able to    detect physiological signals.-   40. The sensor of embodiment 39, wherein the physiological signals    detected are cardiac pulse, respiratory frequency, electrodermal    response (EDR), measurement of electrical skin conductivity,    electrocardiography (ECG), temperature, skin impedance,    transpiration and electromyography (EMG).-   41. A fabric which comprises a sensor, wherein the sensor includes    an electrode, a track and an electrical connector, wherein, an    elastic semi-conductive or conductive track and a flexible    conductive support base assembly arranged on a fabric substrate, the    flexible conductive base being a textile comprising conductive and    non-conductive fibers and having at least one of its ends round    shaped, wherein at least one end of the track is treading on said at    least one end round shaped of at least one flexible conductive    support base, and the non-treaded area by the track of the at least    one flexible conductive support base is in electrical contact with a    rigid electrical component.-   42. A process for the preparation of a fabric as defined in    embodiment 41, which comprises the steps of: a) liquid-printing a    first layer of silicone rubber and/or fluorosilicone rubber loaded    with an amount between 5% w/w to 40% w/w of an electrically    conductive material into the fabric; b) pre-curing the first layer    for up one minute at a temperature between 80° C. to 200° C.; c)    curing the first layer at room temperature.-   43. The process of embodiment 42, wherein the liquid-printing step    comprises applying a pressure comprising at least 0.1 Kg/m², at    least 0.2 Kg/m², at least 0.3 Kg/m², at least 0.4 Kg/m², at least    0.5 Kg/m², at least 0.6 Kg/m², at least 0.7 Kg/m², at least 0.8    Kg/m², at least 0.9 Kg/m², at least 1 Kg/m² when printing the    silicone rubber and/or fluorosilicone rubber loaded with the    electrically conductive material directly to the fabric.-   44. A physiological signal fabric adapted to be incorporated in a    garment, said fabric comprising the sensor as defined in embodiment    21, wherein the electrode is adapted to obtain physiological signals    through its contact with the skin of the wearer of the garment.-   45. A device comprising the sensor as defined in embodiment 21, and    an electronic instrument for receiving, collecting, storing,    processing and/or transmitting data from said sensor.-   46. A garment comprising the device of embodiment 45.-   47. A method for monitoring a physiological signal of a user    comprising receiving, collecting, storing, processing and/or    transmitting one or more parameters indicative of at least one    physiological signal of a user originating from at least one sensor    as defined in embodiment 21 incorporated in a garment; and    evaluating said physiological signal along the time.-   48. The sensor of embodiment 20, wherein the resistance of the    electrode is at least 0.5Ω, at least 1Ω, at least 2Ω, at least, 3Ω,    at least 4Ω, at least 5Ω, at least 6Ω, at least 7Ω, at least 8Ω, at    least 9Ω, at least 10Ω, at least 11Ω, at least 12Ω, at least 13Ω, at    least 14Ω, at least 15Ω or more.-   49. The sensor of embodiment 20, wherein the sensor is able to    detect physiological signals.-   50. The sensor of embodiment 49, wherein the physiological signals    detected are cardiac pulse, respiratory frequency, electrodermal    response (EDR), measurement of electrical skin conductivity,    electrocardiography (ECG), temperature, skin impedance,    transpiration and electromyography (EMG).-   51. A fabric which comprises a sensor, wherein the sensor includes    an electrode, a track and an electrical connector, wherein, the    track is comprising an electrically conductive flexible material    that is non-continguous that when stretched is able to transmit a    signal from an electrode to an electrical connector and from an    electrical connector to an electrode that when stretched is able to    transmit a signal from an electrode to an electrical connector and    from an electrical connector to an electrode.-   52. The fabric of embodiment 51, wherein an electrically conductive    flexible material is constructed of silicone rubber and/or    fluorosilicone rubber and an electrically conductive material.-   53. The fabric of embodiment 52, wherein the electrically conductive    material is selected from the group of carbon fibers, carbon black,    nickel coated graphite, copper fibres or a metal powder.-   54. The fabric of embodiment 53, wherein the carbon black is    selected from furnace black, lamp black, thermal black, acetylene    black, channel black.-   55. The fabric of embodiment 53, wherein the metal powder is    selected from silver, nickel, and copper.-   56. The fabric of embodiment 51, wherein a resistance value, from    one end of a sensor, to the other is less than 50 KΩ, 100 KΩ, 150    KΩ, 200 KΩ, 250 KΩ, 300 KΩ, 350 KΩ, 400 KΩ, 450 KΩ, 500 KΩ, 550 KΩ,    600 KΩ, 650 KΩ, 700 KΩ, 750 KΩ, 800 KΩ, 850 KΩ, 900 KΩ, 950 KΩ or    1000 KΩ when the flexible material is stretched.-   57. The fabric of embodiment 52, wherein the silicone rubber is    cured at a temperature of no more than 5° C., no more than 10° C.,    no more than 15° C., no more than 20° C., no more than 25° C., no    more than 30° C., no more than 35° C., no more than 40° C., no more    than 45° C., no more than 50° C., no more than 55° C., no more than    60° C., no more than 65° C., no more than 70° C., no more than 75°    C., no more than 80° C., no more than 85° C., no more than 90° C.,    no more than 95° C., no more than 100° C., no more than 110° C., no    more than 120° C., no more than 130° C., no more than 140° C., no    more than 150° C., no more than 160° C., no more than 165, no more    than 170° C., no more than 180° C., no more than 190° C., no more    than 200° C., no more than 210° C., no more than 220° C., no more    than 230° C., no more than 240° C., no more than 250° C., no more    than 260° C., no more than 270° C., no more than 280° C., no more    than 290° C. or no more than 300° C.-   58. The fabric of embodiment 52, wherein the silicone rubber and/or    fluorosilicone rubber is liquid printed.-   59. The fabric of embodiment 52, wherein the silicone rubber and/or    fluorosilicone rubber is screen printed.-   60. The fabric of embodiment 52, wherein the silicone rubber and/or    fluorosilicone rubber has a molecular weight of at least 100 g/mol,    200 g/mol, 300 g/mol, 325 g/mol, 350 g/mol, 375 g/mol, 400 g/mol,    425 g/mol, 450 g/mol, 475 g/mol, 500 g/mol, 525 g/mol, 550 g/mol,    575 g/mol, 600 g/mol, 625 g/mol, 650 g/mol, 674 g/mol, 700 g/mol,    800 g/mol, 900 g/mol, 1000 g/mol, or more.-   61. The fabric of embodiment 52, wherein the silicone rubber and/or    fluorosilicone rubber has a molecular weight of no more than 100    g/mol, 200 g/mol, 300 g/mol, 325 g/mol, 350 g/mol, 375 g/mol, 400    g/mol, 425 g/mol, 450 g/mol, 475 g/mol, 500 g/mol, 525 g/mol, 550    g/mol, 575 g/mol, 600 g/mol, 625 g/mol, 650 g/mol, 674 g/mol, 700    g/mol, 800 g/mol, 900 g/mol or 1000 g/mol.-   62. The fabric of embodiment 51, wherein the resistance of the    electrode is at least 0.5Ω, at least 1Ω, at least 2Ω, at least, 3Ω,    at least 4Ω, at least 5Ω, at least 6Ω, at least 7Ω, at least 8Ω, at    least 9Ω, at least 10Ω, at least 11Ω, at least 12Ω, at least 13Ω, at    least 14Ω, at least 15Ω or more.-   63. The sensor of embodiment 16, wherein the resistance of the track    is at least 1Ω, at least 2Ω, at least, 3Ω, at least 4Ω, at least 5Ω,    at least 6Ω, at least 7Ω, at least 8Ω, at least 9Ω, at least 10Ω, at    least 11Ω, at least 12Ω, at least 13Ω, at least 14Ω, at least 15Ω,    at least 16Ω, at least 17Ω, at least 18Ω, at least 19Ω, at least    20Ω, at least 21Ω, at least 22Ω, at least 23Ω, at least 24Ω, at    least 25Ω, at least 26Ω, at least 27Ω, at least 28Ω, at least 29Ω,    at least 30Ω, at least 31Ω, at least 32Ω, at least 33Ω, at least    34Ω, at least 35Ω, at least 36Ω, at least 37Ω, at least 38Ω, at    least 39Ω, at least 40Ω, at least 41Ω, at least 42Ω, at least 43Ω,    at least 44Ω, at least 45Ω, at least 46Ω, at least 47Ω, at least    48Ω, at least 49Ω, at least 50Ω, or more.-   64. The fabric of embodiment 51, wherein the sensor is able to    detect physiological signals.-   65. The fabric of embodiment 64, wherein the physiological signals    detected are cardiac pulse, respiratory frequency, electrodermal    response (EDR), measurement of electrical skin conductivity,    electrocardiography (ECG), temperature, skin impedance,    transpiration and electromyography (EMG).-   66. The fabric of embodiment 51, which further comprises a layer of    an insulating material covering the track.-   67. The fabric of embodiment 51, wherein the fabric comprises an    electrode to be placed in contact with the skin of an user.-   68. The fabric of embodiment 51, wherein the electrode comprises a    conductive fabric made of conductive fibers and non-conductive    fibers.-   69. The fabric of embodiment 52, wherein the electrode comprises a    layer of silicone rubber and/or fluorosilicone rubber loaded with an    amount comprising at least 1% w/w, 2% w/w, 3% w/w, 4% w/w, 5% w/w,    6% w/w, 7% w/w, 8% w/w, 9% w/w, 10% w/w, 11% w/w, 12% w/w, 13% w/w,    14% w/w, 15% w/w, 16% w/w, 17% w/w, 18% w/w, 19% w/w, 20% w/w, 21%    w/w, 22% w/w, 23% w/w, 24% w/w, 26% w/w, 27% w/w, 28% w/w, 29% w/w,    30% w/w, 31% w/w, 32% w/w, 33% w/w, 34% w/w, 35% w/w, 36% w/w, 37%    w/w, 38% w/w, 39% w/w, 40% w/w, 41% w/w, 42% w/w, 43% w/w, 44% w/w,    45% w/w, 46% w/w, 47% w/w, 48% w/w, 49% w/w, 50% w/w, 51% w/w, 52%    w/w, 53% w/w, 54% w/w, 55% w/w, 56% w/w, 57% w/w, 58% w/w, 59% w/w,    60% w/w, 65% w/w, 70% w/w, 75% w/w, 80% w/w, 85% w/w, 90% w/w, 95%    w/w or more of an electrically conductive material.-   70. The fabric of embodiment 52, wherein the silicone rubber and/or    fluorosilicone rubber is loaded with an amount comprising no more    than 1% w/w, 2% w/w, 3% w/w, 4% w/w, 5% w/w, 6% w/w, 7% w/w, 8% w/w,    9% w/w, 10% w/w, 11% w/w, 12% w/w, 13% w/w, 14% w/w, 15% w/w, 16%    w/w, 17% w/w, 18% w/w, 19% w/w, 20% w/w, 21% w/w, 22% w/w, 23% w/w,    24% w/w, 26% w/w, 27% w/w, 28% w/w, 29% w/w, 30% w/w, 31% w/w, 32%    w/w, 33% w/w, 34% w/w, 35% w/w, 36% w/w, 37% w/w, 38% w/w, 39% w/w,    40% w/w, 41% w/w, 42% w/w, 43% w/w, 44% w/w, 45% w/w, 46% w/w, 47%    w/w, 48% w/w, 49% w/w, 50% w/w, 51% w/w, 52% w/w, 53% w/w, 54% w/w,    55% w/w, 56% w/w, 57% w/w, 58% w/w, 59% w/w, 60% w/w, 65% w/w, 70%    w/w, 75% w/w, 80% w/w, 85% w/w, 90% w/w, 95% w/w or more of an    electrically material.-   71. The fabric of embodiment 51, wherein the fabric is able to    stretch at least 1%, at least 2%, at least 3%, at least 4%, at least    5%, 6%, at least 7%, at least 8%, at least 9%, at least 10%, at    least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%,    at least 40%, at least 45%, at least 50%, at least 55%, at least    60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at    least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95% at least 100%, at least 105%,    at least 110%, at least 115%, at least 120%, at least 125%, at least    130%, at least 135%, at least 140%, at least 145%, at least 150%, at    least 155%, at least 160%, at least 165%, at least 170%, at least    175%, at least 180%, at least 185%, at least 190%, at least 195%, at    least 200%, at least 210%, at least 220%, at least 230%, at least    240%, at least 250%, at least 260%, at least 270%, at least 280%, at    least 290%, at least 300% or more as compared to the same fabric    when it is not stretched.-   72. The fabric of embodiment 51, wherein at least 5%, at least 10%,    at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least    35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, at least 50%, at least 55%, at    least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%,    at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or at least 100% of the    electrode and track are in contact with the skin on an individual.-   73. The fabric of embodiment 51, wherein no more than 5%, no more    than 10%, no more than 15%, no more than 20%, no more than 25%, no    more than 30%, no more than 35%, no more than 40%, no more than 45%,    no more than 50%, no more than 55%, no more than 60%, no more than    65%, no more than 70%, no more than 75%, no more than 80%, no more    than 85%, no more than 90%, no more than 95%, or no more than 100%    of the electrode and track are in contact with the skin of an    individual.-   74. The fabric of embodiment 51, wherein the proportion of a    flexible semi-conductive or conductive material in contact with the    skin of an individual is at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 15%, at    least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%,    at least 45%, at least 50%, at least 55%, at least 60%, at least    65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at    least 90%, at least 95%, or at least 100% of the total conductive    layer.-   75. The fabric of embodiment 51, the proportion of a flexible    semi-conductive or conductive material to be in contact with the    skin of an individual is no more than 5%, no more than 10%, no more    than 15%, no more than 20%, no more than 25%, no more than 30%, no    more than 35%, no more than 40%, no more than 45%, no more than 50%,    no more than 55%, no more than 60%, no more than 65%, no more than    70%, no more than 75%, no more than 80%, no more than 85%, no more    than 90%, no more than 95%, or no more than 100% of the electrode    and track are in contact with the skin of an individual.-   76. The fabric of embodiment 51, wherein an electrically conductive    material is loaded with an amount comprising from 5% w/w to 40% w/w    comprising: a) diorganopolysiloxane gum having silicon-bonded    alkenyl groups; b) organohydrogenpolysiloxanes; c) a platinum    catalyst; and d) between 5-40% w/w of an electrically conductive    material.-   77. A process for the preparation of a fabric as defined in    embodiment 51, which comprises the steps of: a) liquid-printing a    first layer of silicone rubber loaded with an amount between 5% w/w    to 40% w/w of a electrically conductive material into the fabric; b)    pre-curing the first layer for up one minute at a temperature    between 80° C. to 200° C.; c) curing the first layer at room    temperature.-   78. The process according to embodiment 77, wherein the    liquid-printing step comprises applying a pressure comprising from    0.2 to 0.8 Kg/m² when printing the silicone rubber loaded with the    electrically conductive material directly to the fabric.-   79. The process according to embodiment 77, wherein the    liquid-printing step comprises applying a pressure comprising from    0.3 to 0.5 Kg/m² when printing the silicone rubber loaded with the    electrically conductive material directly to the fabric.-   80. A device comprising: a) the fabric as defined in embodiment 51;    and b) an electronic instrument for receiving and collecting and/or    storing and/or processing, and/or transmitting data from said    fabric.-   81. A garment comprising the device of embodiment 80.-   82. A device comprising the sensor as defined in embodiment 51, and    an electronic instrument for receiving, collecting, storing,    processing and/or transmitting data from said sensor.-   83. A garment comprising the device of embodiment 82.-   84. A method for monitoring a physiological signal of a user    comprising receiving, collecting, storing, processing and/or    transmitting one or more parameters indicative of at least one    physiological signal of a user originating from at least one sensor    as defined in embodiment 51 incorporated in a garment; and    evaluating said physiological signal along the time.-   85. The method of embodiment 84, wherein the physiological signal is    an ECG signal.-   86. A fabric which comprises at least an elastic and electrically    conductive track integrated into the fabric, and wherein the elastic    and electrically conductive track comprises a silicone rubber and/or    fluorosilicone rubber loaded with an electrically conductive    material, wherein the thickness of the elastic and electrically    conductive track comprising from 120 to 800 μm thick, from 120-500    μm thick, from 250-500 μm thick or from 300-400 μm thick.-   87. The fabric of embodiment 86, wherein the electrically    conductuctive material is screen printed with a thickness of at    least 25 μm, 50 μm, 75 μm, 100 μm, 120 μm, 130 μm, 140 μm, 150 μm,    160 μm, 170 μm, 180 μm, 190 μm, 200 μm, 210 μm, 220 μm, 230 μm, 240    μm, 250 μm, 260 μm, 270 μm, 280 μm, 290 μm, 300 μm, 325 μm, 350 μm,    375 μm, 400 μm, 425 μm, 450 μm, 475 μm, 500 μm, 525 μm, 550 μm, 575    μm, 600 μm, 625 μm, 650 μm, 675 μm, 700 μm, 725 μm, 750 μm, 775 μm,    800 μm, 825 μm, 850 μm, 875 μm, 900 μm, 925 μm, 950 μm, 975 μm, 1000    μm.-   88. The fabric of embodiment 86, wherein the electrically    conductuctive material is screen printed with a thickness of no more    than 25 μm, 50 μm, 75 μm, 100 μm, 120 μm, 130 μm, 140 μm, 150 μm,    160 μm, 170 μm, 180 μm, 190 μm, 200 μm, 210 μm, 220 μm, 230 μm, 240    μm, 250 μm, 260 μm, 270 μm, 280 μm, 290 μm, 300 μm, 325 μm, 350 μm,    375 μm, 400 μm, 425 μm, 450 μm, 475 μm, 500 μm, 525 μm, 550 μm, 575    μm, 600 μm, 625 μm, 650 μm, 675 μm, 700 μm, 725 μm, 750 μm, 775 μm,    800 μm, 825 μm, 850 μm, 875 μm, 900 μm, 925 μm, 950 μm, 975 μm, 1000    μm.-   89. The fabric of embodiment 86, which further comprises a layer of    an insulating material covering the track, wherein the insulating    material may or may not include an electrically conductive material.-   90. The fabric of embodiment 86, wherein the fabric comprises an    electrode to be placed in contact with the skin of an user and in    electrical contact with a flexible and electrically conductive    track.-   91. The fabric of embodiment 90, wherein the electrode comprises a    conductive fabric made of conductive fibers and non-conductive    fibers.-   92. The fabric of embodiment 90, wherein the electrode comprises a    layer of silicone rubber loaded with an amount between 5% w/w to 40%    w/w of an elastic and electrically conductive material, which is    integrated into the fabric.-   93. The fabric of embodiment 90, wherein the electrode comprises a    layer of silicone rubber, loaded with an amount comprising at least    1% w/w, 2% w/w, 3% w/w, 4% w/w, 5% w/w, 6% w/w, 7% w/w, 8% w/w, 9%    w/w, 10% w/w, 11% w/w, 12% w/w, 13% w/w, 14% w/w, 15% w/w, 16% w/w,    17% w/w, 18% w/w, 19% w/w, 20% w/w, 21% w/w, 22% w/w, 23% w/w, 24%    w/w, 26% w/w, 27% w/w, 28% w/w, 29% w/w, 30% w/w, 31% w/w, 32% w/w,    33% w/w, 34% w/w, 35% w/w, 36% w/w, 37% w/w, 38% w/w, 39% w/w, 40%    w/w, 41% w/w, 42% w/w, 43% w/w, 44% w/w, 45% w/w, 46% w/w, 47% w/w,    48% w/w, 49% w/w, 50% w/w, 51% w/w, 52% w/w, 53% w/w, 54% w/w, 55%    w/w, 56% w/w, 57% w/w, 58% w/w, 59% w/w, 60% w/w, 65% w/w, 70% w/w,    75% w/w, 80% w/w, 85% w/w, 90% w/w, 95% w/w or more of an    electrically conductive material.-   94. The fabric of embodiment 90, wherein the electrode comprises a    layer of silicone rubber, loaded with an amount comprising an amount    of no more than 1% w/w, 2% w/w, 3% w/w, 4% w/w, 5% w/w, 6% w/w, 7%    w/w, 8% w/w, 9% w/w, 10% w/w, 11% w/w, 12% w/w, 13% w/w, 14% w/w,    15% w/w, 16% w/w, 17% w/w, 18% w/w, 19% w/w, 20% w/w, 21% w/w, 22%    w/w, 23% w/w, 24% w/w, 26% w/w, 27% w/w, 28% w/w, 29% w/w, 30% w/w,    31% w/w, 32% w/w, 33% w/w, 34% w/w, 35% w/w, 36% w/w, 37% w/w, 38%    w/w, 39% w/w, 40% w/w, 41% w/w, 42% w/w, 43% w/w, 44% w/w, 45% w/w,    46% w/w, 47% w/w, 48% w/w, 49% w/w, 50% w/w, 51% w/w, 52% w/w, 53%    w/w, 54% w/w, 55% w/w, 56% w/w, 57% w/w, 58% w/w, 59% w/w, 60% w/w,    65% w/w, 70% w/w, 75% w/w, 80% w/w, 85% w/w, 90% w/w, 95% w/w or    more of an electrically conductive material.-   95. The fabric of embodiment 86, wherein the electrical resistance    per cm of a flexible material loaded with an electrically conductive    material is comprising from 50 Ω/cm to 100 kΩ/cm.-   96. The fabric of embodiment 86, wherein the electrical resistance    per cm of a flexible material, loaded with an electrically    conductive material is less than 1 KΩ/cm, less than 2 KΩ/cm, less    than 3 KΩ/cm, less than 4 KΩ/cm, less than 5 KΩ/cm, less than 6    KΩ/cm, less than 7 KΩ/cm, less than 8 KΩ/cm, less than 9 KΩ/cm, less    than 10 KΩ/cm, less than 11 KΩ/cm, less than 12 KΩ/cm, less than 13    KΩ/cm, less than 14 KΩ/cm, less than 15 KΩ/cm, less than 16 KΩ/cm,    less than 17 KΩ/cm, less than 18 KΩ/cm, less than 19 KΩ/cm, less    than 20 KΩ/cm, less than 21 KΩ/cm, less than 22 KΩ/cm, less than 23    KΩ/cm, less than 24 KΩ/cm, less than 25 KΩ/cm, less than 26 KΩ/cm,    less than 27 KΩ/cm, less than 28 KΩ/cm, less than 29 KΩ/cm, less    than 30 KΩ/cm, less than 31 KΩ/cm, less than 32 KΩ/cm, less than 33    KΩ/cm, less than 34 KΩ/cm, less than 35 KΩ/cm, less than 36 KΩ/cm,    less than 37 KΩ/cm, less than 38 KΩ/cm, less than 39 KΩ/cm, less    than 40 KΩ/cm, less than 41 KΩ/cm, less than 42 KΩ/cm, less than 43    KΩ/cm, less than 44 KΩ/cm, less than 45 KΩ/cm, less than 46 KΩ/cm,    less than 47 KΩ/cm, less than 48 KΩ/cm, less than 49 KΩ/cm, less    than 50 KΩ/cm, 55 KΩ/cm, less than 60 KΩ/cm, less than 65 KΩ/cm,    less than 70 KΩ/cm, less than 75 KΩ/cm, less than 80 KΩ/cm, less    than 85 KΩ/cm, less than 90 KΩ/cm, less than 95 KΩ/cm, less than 100    KΩ/cm, 150 KΩ/cm, 200 KΩ/cm, 250 KΩ/cm, 300 KΩ/cm, 350 KΩ/cm, 400    KΩ/cm, 450 KΩ/cm, 500 KΩ/cm, 550 KΩ/cm, 600 KΩ/cm, 650 KΩ/cm, 700    KΩ/cm, 750 KΩ/cm, 800 KΩ/cm, 850 KΩ/cm, 900 KΩ/cm, 950 KΩ/cm or 100    KΩ/cm.-   97. The fabric according of embodiment 86, wherein the cured    temperature of the silicone rubber and/or fluorosilicone rubber    loaded with an electrically conductive material is of from 20° C. to    200° C., of from 50° C. to 140° C. or of from 100° C. to 120° C.-   98. The fabric according of embodiment 86, wherein the cured    temperature of the silicone rubber and/or fluorosilicone rubber    loaded with an electrically conductive material is no more than 5°    C., no more than 10° C., no more than 15° C., no more than 20° C.,    no more than 25° C., no more than 30° C., no more than 35° C., no    more than 40° C., no more than 45° C., no more than 50° C., no more    than 55° C., no more than 60° C., no more than 65° C., no more than    70° C., no more than 75° C., no more than 80° C., no more than 85°    C., no more than 90° C., no more than 95° C., no more than 100° C.,    no more than 110° C., no more than 120° C., no more than 130° C., no    more than 140° C., no more than 150° C., no more than 160° C., no    more than 165, no more than 170° C., no more than 180° C., no more    than 190° C., no more than 200° C., no more than 210° C., no more    than 220° C., no more than 230° C., no more than 240° C., no more    than 250° C., no more than 260° C., no more than 270° C., no more    than 280° C., no more than 290° C. or no more than 300.-   99. The fabric of embodiment 86, wherein the silicone rubber and/or    fluorosilicoe rubber loaded with an amount comprising from 5% w/w to    40% w/w of a electrically conductive material comprises: a)    diorganopolysiloxane gum having silicon-bonded alkenyl groups; b)    organohydrogenpolysiloxanes; c) a platinum catalyst; and d) between    5-40% w/w of an electrically conductive material.-   100. The fabric of embodiment 86, wherein the electrically    conductive material is carbon fibers, carbon black, nickel coated    graphite, copper fibers and mixtures thereof or various metal    powders such as silver, nickel, and copper.-   101. The fabric of embodiment 100, wherein the carbon black is    furnace black, lamp black, thermal black, acetylene black, channel    black.-   102. A process for the preparation of a fabric as defined in    embodiment 86, which comprises the steps of: a) liquid-printing a    first layer of silicone rubber and/or fluorosilicone rubber loaded    with an amount between 5% w/w to 40% w/w of an electrically    conductive material into the fabric; b) pre-curing the first layer    for up one minute at a temperature between 80° C. to 200° C.; c)    curing the first layer at room temperature.-   103. The process of embodiment 102, wherein the liquid-printing step    comprises applying a pressure comprising from 0.2 to 0.8 Kg/m², from    0.3 to 0.5 Kg/m²; or from 0.45 Kg/m² when printing the silicone    rubber and/or fluorsilicone rubber loaded with the electrically    conductive material directly to the fabric.-   104. The process of embodiment 102, wherein the liquid-printing step    comprises applying a pressure comprising at least 0.1 Kg/m², at    least 0.2 Kg/m², at least 0.3 Kg/m², at least 0.4 Kg/m², at least    0.5 Kg/m², at least 0.6 Kg/m², at least 0.7 Kg/m², at least 0.8    Kg/m², at least 0.9 Kg/m², at least 1 when printing the silicone    rubber and/or fluorosilicone rubber loaded with the electrically    conductive material directly to the fabric.-   105. Use of a silicone rubber and/or fluorosilicone rubber loaded    with an amount comprising from 5% w/w to 40% w/w of an electrically    conductive material for the preparation of the fabric of embodiment    86.-   106. The use of a silicone rubber and/or fluorsilicone rubber of    embodiment 102, wherein the silicone rubber and/or fluorosilicone    rubber is comprising no more than 1% w/w, 2% w/w, 3% w/w, 4% w/w, 5%    w/w, 6% w/w, 7% w/w, 8% w/w, 9% w/w, 10% w/w, 11% w/w, 12% w/w, 13%    w/w, 14% w/w, 15% w/w, 16% w/w, 17% w/w, 18% w/w, 19% w/w, 20% w/w,    21% w/w, 22% w/w, 23% w/w, 24% w/w, 26% w/w, 27% w/w, 28% w/w, 29%    w/w, 30% w/w, 31% w/w, 32% w/w, 33% w/w, 34% w/w, 35% w/w, 36% w/w,    37% w/w, 38% w/w, 39% w/w, 40% w/w, 41% w/w, 42% w/w, 43% w/w, 44%    w/w, 45% w/w, 46% w/w, 47% w/w, 48% w/w, 49% w/w, 50% w/w, 51% w/w,    52% w/w, 53% w/w, 54% w/w, 55% w/w, 56% w/w, 57% w/w, 58% w/w, 59%    w/w, 60% w/w, 65% w/w, 70% w/w, 75% w/w, 80% w/w, 85% w/w, 90% w/w,    95% w/w or more of an electrically conductive material.-   107. A device comprising: a) the fabric as defined in embodiment    86, b) an electronic instrument for receiving and collecting and/or    storing and/or processing, and/or transmitting data from said    fabric.-   108. A garment comprising a device of embodiment 107.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates an orifices 6 pattern in the electrode 3. FIG. 1Billustrates a grooves 11 pattern in the electrode 3. FIG. 10 illustratesan orifices 6 pattern in the electrode 3 with silicone rubber pattern onthe surface of the electrode 3. FIG. 1D illustrates a front view of aconductive fabric with the orifices 6 filled with silicone rubber.

FIG. 2 illustrates exploded perspective view of a sensor according to anembodiment.

FIG. 3A illustrates a cross-section of a sensor according to anembodiment. FIG. 3B illustrates a cross-section of a sensor 1 accordingto an embodiment.

FIG. 4 illustrates elevation view of a garment disclosed herein.

FIG. 5 illustrates cross-section elevation view of a connection betweenan embodiment of a sensor 1 according to the present invention and anelectronic instrument 14.

FIG. 6 shows Amplitude RS (A(v)) in resting (A), stand (B), stand/sit(C), bend (D), arms (E), walk (F), and all the activities, resting,stand stand/sit, bend arms and walk (G) for ZEPHYR™ H×M strap (I), PolarTEAM² strap (II), NUMETREX® Cardio-Shirt (III) and the shirt of theinvention (IV).

FIG. 7 shows RMS/Amplitude RS in resting (A), stand (B), stand/sit (C),bend (D), arms (E), walk (F), and all the activities, resting, standstand/sit, bend arms and walk (G) for ZEPHYR™ H×M strap (I), Polar TEAM²strap (II), NUMETREX® Cardio-Shirt (III) and the shirt of the invention(IV).

FIG. 8 shows percentage of good QRS complex in resting and dailyactivity for ZEPHYR™ strap (I), Polar strap (II), NUMETREX® shirt (III)and the shirt of the invention (IV).

FIG. 9 shows autocorrelation value for ZEPHYR™ H×M strap (I), PolarTEAM² strap (II), NUMETREX® Cardio-Shirt (III) and the shirt of theinvention (IV), in walking (F), arms (E), stand (B), bend (D), stand/sit(C) and resting (A).

FIG. 10 shows Amplitude RS (A(v)) in mid-speed (H), fast-speed (I),torso-move (J), racket (K), jump (L), and all the activities, mid-speed,fast-speed, torso move, racket and jump (M) for ZEPHYR™ H×M strap (I),Polar TEAM² strap (II), NUMETREX® Cardio-Shirt (III) and the shirt ofthe invention (IV).

FIG. 11 shows RMS/Amplitude RS in mid-speed (H), fast-speed (I),torso-move (J), racket (K), jump (L), and all the activities, mid-speed,fast-speed, torso move, racket and jump (M) for ZEPHYR™ strap (I), Polarstrap (II), NUMETREX® shirt (III) and the shirt of the invention (IV).

FIG. 12 shows percentage of good QRS complex in strong physical activityfor ZEPHYR™ strap (I), Polar strap (II), NUMETREX® shirt (III) and theshirt of the invention (IV).

FIG. 13 shows autocorrelation value ZEPHYR™ H×M strap (I), Polar TEAM²strap (II), NUMETREX® Cardio-Shirt (III) and the shirt of the invention(IV) in mid-speed (H), fast-speed (I), torso-move (J), racket (K) andjump (L).

FIG. 14 shows RMS/Amplitude RS in mid-speed (H), fast-speed (I),torso-move (J), racket (K), jump (L), and all the activities, mid-speed,fast-speed, torso move, racket and jump (M) for the shirt of theinvention (IV), black column and the shirt of the invention withoutsilicone rubber (V), white column.

FIG. 15A illustrates elevation view of a garment according to the stateof the art.

FIG. 15B illustrates elevation view of the garment disclosed herein.

FIG. 16 shows ECG strip where the electrically conductive area wasstretched by about 25% of its original length. Left part of the strip(left of the line), the electrically conductive areas aren't stretched,and the right part of the strip (right of the line) the electricallyconductive areas are 25% stretched.

FIG. 17 shows ECG strip where the electrically conductive area wasstretched by about 25% of its original length. Left part of the strip(left of the line), the electrically conductive areas aren't stretched,and the right part of the strip (right of the line) the electricallyconductive areas are 25% stretched.

FIG. 18 shows ECG strip where the electrically conductive area wasstretched by about 50% of its original length. Left part of the strip(left of the line), the electrically conductive areas aren't stretched,and the right part of the strip (right of the line) the electricallyconductive areas are 50% stretched.

FIG. 19 shows ECG strip where the electrically conductive area wasstretched by about 50% of their original length. Left part of the strip(left of the line), the tracks aren't stretched, and the right part ofthe strip (right of the line) the electrically conductive areas are 50%stretched.

FIG. 20 illustrates cross-section of track (17) and support base (18)assembly arranged on a textile fabric substrate (19), wherein thesupport base is in electrical contact with a rigid electrical componentcomprising two parts (9 and 10).

FIG. 21 illustrates elevation view of the assembly disclosed hereinwherein both ends of the track (17 a and 17 b) are treading on twodifferent support bases (20 a and 20′ a), and a rigid electricalcomponent (5) is arranged on the non-treaded area (20 b) of one of thesupport bases.

FIG. 22 illustrates teardrop-like shape of the support base according toan embodiment.

FIG. 23 illustrates elevation view of the garment according to anembodiment.

FIG. 24 illustrates cross-section view of a sensor according to anembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates in an embodiment to a sensor comprising anelectrode, a track and an electrical connector. The present inventionfurther relates in an embodiment to a fabric that includes a sensor,including without limitation, a fabric that is part of a garment. Thepresent invention also relates in an embodiment to a sensor wherein atrack is flexible, elastic and semi-conductive or conductive. Thepresent invention also relates in an embodiment to a sensor withimproved anti-slip property wherein an electrode is flexible andcomprises a plurality of orifices or grooves in a predefined pattern,filled with silicone rubber.

The present invention also relates in an embodiment to a sensor attachedto a fabric comprising at least an elastic and electrically conductivearea integrated into the fabric, a process to obtain the fabric, as wellas to the use of an elastic conductive material, including, withoutlimitation, silicone rubber, loaded with an electrically conductivematerial, for the preparation of the fabric of the invention. It alsorelates in an embodiment, to a sensor comprising the fabric, as well asa garment comprising the sensor. In an embodiment, the present inventioncan be used, without limitation, to monitor an individual who isundergoing physical activity in a continuous and non-invasive manner.

The term “sensor,” without limitation, refers to a component thatreceives physiological signals and transforms them into electricalsignals and is comprising, without limitation, an electrode, a track andan electrical connector.

The term “electrode,” without limitation, refers to the area of theconductive layer that is in contact with the skin and wherein thephysiological signal is received from or an electrical impulse istransmitted to an individual.

The term “track,” without limitation, refers to the area of theconductive layer where the electrical connector is located and connectsthe electrode to the electrical connector (also hereinafter referred toas the electrically conductive area). The track transmits aphysiological signal from an electrode area to an electrical connectoror from an electrical connector to an electrode.

The term “carbon black,” without limitation, refers to carbon in theform of colloidal particles that are produced by incomplete combustionor thermal decomposition of gaseous or liquid hydrocarbons undercontrolled conditions. Its physical appearance is that of a black,finely divided pellet or powder. There are different types of carbonblack in relation with the reaction condition, these are for examplefurnace black, lamp black, thermal black, acetylene black, channelblack.

The term “electrical connector,” without limitation, refers to anelectromechanical device which provides a separable interface betweentwo electronic subsystems, sensor and electronic instrument.

The term “anti-slip material,” without limitation, refers to a materialwith a material/skin friction coefficient of at least 0.1, at least 0.2,at least 0.3, at least 0.4, at least 0.5, at least 0.6, at least 0.7, atleast 0.8, at least 0.9, at least 1.0. In an embodiment, an anti-slipmaterial is silicone rubber or fluorosilicone rubber. In an embodiment,a fluorosilicone rubber has a main chain of CF₂. In another embodiment,a silicone rubber contains, without limitation a fluorosiloxanedimethylsiloxane copolymer. In another embodiment, a fluorine rubbercontains a vinylidenefluoride, a tetrafluoroethylene-proyplene, afluorine-containing nitrile, a fluorine-containing vinylether, afluorine-containing triazine and/or a fluorine-containing phosphazine.

The term “room temperature,” without limitation, refers to a temperaturebetween 15° C. to 30° C. In an embodiment room temperature refers to,without limitation, a temperature of 15° C., 16° C., 17° C., 18° C., 19°C., 20° C., 21° C., 22° C., 23° C., 24° C., 25° C., 26° C., 27° C., 28°C., 29° C. or 30° C.

The term “screen printing,” without limitation, refers to a process madeusing a stencil in which an image or design is printed on a very finemesh screen and the printable material is squeegeed onto the printingsurface through the area of the screen that is not covered by thestencil.

The term a “printed circuit board,” without limitation, comprises aconductive wiring system wherein the conductive material is printed onthe board and different electrical components can be bonded to theconductive wiring system, further wherein, each set of differentelectrical components can achieve a different purpose. The term “fabric”should, without limitation, in the context of the present invention, beunderstood as a material or product manufactured by textile fibres. Thefabric may, for example, be manufactured by means of weaving, braiding,knitting or any other known method in the art.

The term “fabric” should, without limitation, in the context of thepresent invention, be understood as a material or product manufacturedby textile fibres. The fabric may, for example, be manufactured by meansof weaving, braiding, knitting or any other known method in the art.

The term “hot-melt adhesive” as used herein, without limitation, refersto a thermoplastic, non-structural adhesive that flows when heated andhardens and strengthens as it cools. In an embodiment, a hot-meltadhesive is, without limitation, ethylene-vinyl acetate (“EVA”),ethylene-acrylate, polyolefins (“PO”), polybutene-1, amorphouspolyolefin (“APO”), polyamides, polyesters, polyurethanes (“PUR”),thermoplastic polyurethanes (“TPU”), styrene block copolymers (“SBC”),styrene-butadine (“SBS”), styrene-isoprene-styrene (“SIS”),styrene-ethylenebutylene-styrene (“SEBS”), styrene-ethylene/propylene(“SEP”), polycaprolactone, polycarbonates, fluoropolymers, siliconerubbers, thermoplastic elastomers and/or polypyrrole (“PPY”).

In an embodiment, the orifices 6 of the electrode 3 as depicted in FIG.1A show a circular or geometric pattern. In another embodiment, asdepicted in FIG. 1B, the orifices show a pattern 11 of grooves inelectrode 3. FIG. 10 illustrates electrode 3 with the orifices 6 filledwith a flexible non-conductive, semi-conductive or conductive material,including, without limitation, a silicone rubber and/or a fluorosiliconerubber that, without limitation, may include an electrically conductivematerial, wherein electrode 3 shows the flexible non-conductive,semi-conductive or conductive material, including, without limitation,silicone rubber and/or a fluorosilicone rubber that, without limitation,may include an electrically conductive material, in a predefined patternon their surface in a relief profile. In an embodiment, the flexiblenon-conductive, semi-conductive or conductive material, including,without limitation, a silicone rubber and/or a fluorosilicone rubberthat, without limitation, may include an electrically conductivematerial is anchored into the fabric of the electrode, through thefilling of the orifices.

In an embodiment, an electrically conductive material is a wire. Inanother embodiment, an electrically conductive material is comprising anon-contiguous material wherein the material is comprising smallmolecular structures that individually are too short to reach from anelectrode to an electrical connector, but when in a flexible material,for instance, without limitation, silicone rubber and/or fluorosiliconerubber, can be in contact with other small molecular structures that areelectrically conductive and allow an electrical signal to pass from anelectrode to an electrical connector or from an electrical connector toan electrode.

As depicted in FIGS. 1A-1D, as a result of the interlacing of fibers,the fabric shows a plurality of orifices 6 among fibers. In anembodiment, an electrode is drilled or grooved in order to makeadditional orifices 6 or grooves 11 or to make the orifices 6 larger andpart of a predefined pattern in an electrode. In an embodiment, aplurality of orificies 6 or grooves 11 present different patterns,including, without limitation, circular, sinusoidal, straight lines,hexagon, pentagon, tetragon, triangle, square, diamond and othergeometric shapes, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, thepresence of such orifices 6 or grooves 11 in a conductive layer resultsin an improvement of the elasticity of the layer and, in a furtherembodiment, by filling a conductive layer orifices 6 or grooves 11 witha flexible material, including, without limitation, a silicone rubberand/or a fluorosilicone rubber, the adherence of a sensor to the skin isimproved and the signal measured is improved as the noise of the signalis reduced.

FIG. 2 shows an exploded perspective view of a sensor 1 wherein aconductive layer comprises electrode 3 and track 4. In an embodiment,electrode 3 comprises one or more orifices 6 of any shape and sizefilled with a flexible non-coductive, semi-conductive or conductivematerial, including, without limitation, silicone rubber and/orfluorosilicone rubber that, without limitation, may include anelectrically conductive material. Electrical connector 5 is in contactwith track 4 of a conductive layer and track 4 can be covered withinsulating material 8. Electrical connector 5 comprises a first and asecond portion, wherein the first portion comprise female-type clipportion 9 and the connector second portion may comprise male-type studportion 10, which portions mate with each other. Electrical connector 5can, without limitation, include any type of connectors 9 and 10,including where 9 constitutes a male type connector and 10 constitutes afemale type connector, which portions mate with each other.

As depicted in FIG. 2, sensor 1 of the present invention allowsmeasuring the electrical physiological signals during physical activity.As mentioned above, a first aspect of the invention relates to sensor 1to be placed in contact with skin 12 of an individual for acquiringphysiological signals which comprises: a) conductive layer 2 comprisingat least conductive fibers to be placed in contact with skin 12 forreceiving physiological signals; b) electrical connector 5 connected tothe conductive layer; characterized in that the conductive layercomprises a plurality of orificies 6 filled with a silicone rubberand/or fluorosilicone rubber throughout the conductive area.

In an embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 2, the conductive layer 2 is madeof conductive material, selected from conductive fabric. In anotherembodiment, it is provided a sensor 1 adapted to be integrated in agarment 7 so as to be placed in contact with skin 12 of a user duringthe use of the garment 7, wherein said sensor 1 comprises a conductivelayer 2 to be placed in contact with the skin 12 for receivingphysiological signals comprising at least: an electrode 3; a track 4;and an electrical connector 5 connected with the track 4; wherein theelectrode 3 of the conductive layer 2 comprises a plurality of orificies6 or grooves 11 in a predefined pattern filled with an anti-slipmaterial. In an embodiment, the electrode 3 of the conductive layer 2comprises a plurality of orificies.

According to an embodiment, electrode 3 and track 4 are made of the sameor different material. In an embodiment, electrode 3 and track 4independently from each other is a conductive fabric comprising aconductive fiber and a non-conductive fiber. In another embodiment,electrode 3 and track 4 refer to a conductive fabric made of aconductive fiber. In another embodiment, electrode 3 and track 4 referto a conductive fabric made of a conductive fiber and a non-conductivefiber. When orificies 6 or grooves 11 are filled with a flexible,semi-conductive or conductive material, for instance, withoutlimitation, a silicone rubber, such flexible semi-conductive orconductive material presents a flat or relief profile. In an embodiment,without limitation, a silicone rubber and/or a fluorosilicone rubbershows a relief profile. In an embodiment, an electrode is placed in afabric in such a way that it is electrically in contact with a track.

FIG. 3A depicts a cross-section of sensor 1. The cross-section of sensor1 shows an electrode area 3 and orifice 6 filled with a flexiblenon-conductive, semi-conductive or a conductive material, including,without limitation, a silicone rubber and/or a fluorosilicone rubberthat, without limitation, may include an electrically conductivematerial. Track 4 is made of the same material as electrode 3. In anembodiment, a track and an electrode are made of a conductive fabric. Inan embodiment, a sensor is in contact with skin 12.

FIG. 3B depicts a cross-section of an embodiment of a sensor 1. In thisembodiment an electrode is made of a conductive fabric and a track 4 ismade of a flexible non-conductive, semi-conductive or a conductivematerial, including, without limitation, silicone rubber and/or afluorosilicone rubber that, without limitation, may include anelectrically conductive material.

As illustrated, FIGS. 3A and 3B may comprise a male and a female portionof an electrical connector that are placed on the opposite face of agarment in juxtaposition with each other. Thus, a male or a femaleportion which is placed in the inner face, which will be in contact withskin 12 of an individual, is covered with insulating material 8, whichalso covers track 4 of conductive layer 2. As depicted in FIGS. 3A and3B, a sensor 1 is integrated in garment 7.

In an embodiment, as depicted in FIGS. 3A and 3B, electrode 2 comprisesa conductive fabric made of conductive fibers and non-conductive fibers.In another embodiment, electrode 2 refers to a conductive fabric made ofconductive fibers. In an embodiment, a conductive fiber is made ofsilver coated nylon (such as X-STATIC® yarns from Laird SauquoitIndustries) and a non-conductive fiber is made of nylon. In anembodiment, and without limitation, examples of conductive fibersinclude fibers made of silver, copper, nickel, stainless steel, gold,non-conductive fibers coated with a conductive material or mixturesthereof. In another embodiment, without limitation, examples ofnon-conductive fibers include wool, silk, cotton, flax, jute, acrylicfiber, polyamide polyester, nylon and/or with elastic yarns (such asLYCRA® branded spandex from INVISTA™ S.a.r.l).

In an embodiment, the high degree of adhesion strength between a fabricand a flexible, elastic and electrically conductive material, including,without limitation, silicone rubber and/or fluororosilicone rubberincluding an electrically conductive material is achieved by the coatingmaterial penetrating the interstices between the strands anchoring withthe structure of the fibers of the fabric, resulting in the integrationof the elastic and electrically conductive material into the fabric.

Liquid-printing is a coating method which combines laminating and liquidcoating. In an embodiment, this entails, a fabric to be coated with aliquid (low viscosity, medium viscosity or high viscosity) siliconerubber and/or fluorosilicone rubber, wherein, the liquid silicone rubberand/or liquid fluorosilicone rubber is not applied to both sides, butjust one side of the fabric in a manner similar to a laminating process.In an embodiment, the thickness of a coating is controlled.

The term liquid-printing encompasses a family of printing processeswhere the printed material in liquid state is deposited on the support.In an embodiment, liquid-printing processes include, without limitation,screen-printing and digital-printing. In another embodiment, in adigital-printing process, the liquid material is directly applied by adispenser that reproduces the digitally processed design. In a furtherembodiment, in a screen-printing process the liquid material isdeposited using a stencil. The stencil can be made in different designand thickness.

FIG. 4 depicts an elevation view of garment 7 with two sensors 1 placednear the chest area. Outer layer 13 of garment 7 presses sensor 1 with,in an embodiment and without limitation, a sufficient degree of pressuresuch that sensor 1 is in contact with the skin of a mammal wearinggarment 7.

As depicted in FIGS. 3A, 3B and 4, the use of an electrical connectorprovided in a sensor and, an electronic instrument may be removablyconnected to a garment (as depicted in FIG. 5). The electronicinstrument may be used for receiving and/or processing and/or sendingdata from a sensor to a second electronic instrument. The secondelectronic instrument may be a mobile phone, a PDA, a device capable ofdisplaying a signal received by a sensor and/or a personal computer. Inan embodiment, a mobile phone is, without limitation, a smart phone,including, without limitation, an iPhone, an Android phone or a Windowsphone. A personal computer, includes, without limitation, a desktop, alaptop, a tablet or a cloud-computing system. Different sensors can beintegrated into a wearable fabric, such as for example, withoutlimitation, an electrocardiogram sensor (ECG), an electromyogram sensor(EMG), a galvanic skin response sensor (GSR), an electrochemical sensor,a thermometer, a skin impedance sensor, a transpiration sensor, arespiration sensor, any combination of the aforementioned sensors, orother sensors.

FIG. 5 depicts a cross-section elevation view of a connection between anembodiment of sensor 1 and electronic instrument 14. Sensor 1 isconnected, for illustrative purposes only, and without limitation, toelectronic connector 5 using female-type clip portion 9 and male-typestud portion 10. Electronic instrument 14 may be directly attached to anelectrical connector directly through a coupling, through attachment bya wire between electronic instrument 14 and the electronic connectorand/or through a wireless connection.

In an embodiment, a device as depicted in FIG. 5 comprises at least onesensor 1 and an electronic instrument 14 for receiving and collectingand/or storing and/or processing, and/or transmitting data from saidsensor. Using the sensor of the invention, the physiological signalsdetected can be at least one of the following data: cardiac pulse,respiratory frequency, electrodermal response (EDR), measures electricalskin conductivity, electrocardiography (ECG), electromyography (EMG).These signals refer to electrical signals produced in the body.

In an embodiment, a garment is, without limitation, a shirt, a coat, atop, a girdle, underwear, suspenders, a wrist strip, a headband, a belt,a band, a sock, a pair of trousers, a glove, a t-shirt with longsleeves, a t-shirt with short sleeves, a tank top, a leotard, a bra, asleeveless top, a halter top, a spaghetti-strapped shirt, a singlet, anA-shirt, a tube top and/or any other article that an individual canwear.

In an embodiment, a flexible and/or elastic semi-conductive orconductive material, including, without limitation, a silicone rubberand/or a fluorosilicone rubber, has a molecular weight comprised between400 g/mol and 600 g/mol. In another embodiment, a flexiblesemi-conductive or conductive material, including, without limitation, asilicone rubber, has a molecular weight of at least 100 g/mol, 200g/mol, 300 g/mol, 325 g/mol, 350 g/mol, 375 g/mol, 400 g/mol, 425 g/mol,450 g/mol, 475 g/mol, 500 g/mol, 525 g/mol, 550 g/mol, 575 g/mol, 600g/mol, 625 g/mol, 650 g/mol, 674 g/mol, 700 g/mol, 800 g/mol, 900 g/mol,1000 g/mol, or more. In another embodiment, a flexible and/or elasticsemi-conductive or conductive material, including, without limitation, asilicone rubber, has a molecular weight of no more than 100 g/mol, 200g/mol, 300 g/mol, 325 g/mol, 350 g/mol, 375 g/mol, 400 g/mol, 425 g/mol,450 g/mol, 475 g/mol, 500 g/mol, 525 g/mol, 550 g/mol, 575 g/mol, 600g/mol, 625 g/mol, 650 g/mol, 674 g/mol, 700 g/mol, 800 g/mol, 900 g/molor 1000 g/mol.

In a further embodiment, a flexible and/or elastic semi-conductive orconductive material is capable, without limitation, of increasing thestability and reducing the noise and/or sensibility of a signaltransferred through a track. In another embodiment, a flexiblesemi-conductive or conductive material is capable, without limitation,of increasing the stability and reducing the noise and/or sensibility ofa signal transferred through a track during periods where the track isstretched, including, without limitation, during use of a garment with asensor with a flexible track by an individual.

In an embodiment and as described above and as depicted in FIGS. 3A and3B, sensor 1 is placed in contact with skin 12. In an embodiment, theproportion of conductive layer 2 to be in contact with the skin iscomprised between 50% and 80% of the conductive layer and the proportionof a flexible semi-conductive or conductive material, including, withoutlimitation, a silicone rubber, to be in contact with skin 12 iscomprised between 20% and 50% in respect to total conductive layer 2. Inanother embodiment the proportion of conductive layer 2 to be in contactwith skin 12 is comprised between 60% and 70% of conductive layer 2 andthe proportion of a flexible semi-conductive or conductive material,including, without limitation, a silicone rubber, to be in contact withskin 12 is comprised between 30% and 40% in respect to total conductivelayer 2. In another embodiment the proportion of conductive layer 2 tobe in contact with skin 12 is comprised between 60% and 70% of theconductive layer 2 and the proportion of a flexible semi-conductive orconductive material, including, without limitation, a silicone rubber,to be in contact with skin 12 is comprised between 30% and 40% inrespect to total conductive layer 2.

In an embodiment, the proportion of a conductive layer 2 to be incontact with the skin 12 is at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 15%, atleast 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, atleast 45%, at least 50%, at least 55%, at least 60%, at least 65%, atleast 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, atleast 95%, or at least 100% of the conductive layer 2. In a furtherembodiment, the proportion of a conductive layer 2 to be in contact withthe skin 12 is no more than 5%, no more than 10%, no more than 15%, nomore than 20%, no more than 25%, no more than 30%, no more than 35%, nomore than 40%, no more than 45%, no more than 50%, no more than 55%, nomore than 60%, no more than 65%, no more than 70%, no more than 75%, nomore than 80%, no more than 85%, no more than 90%, no more than 95%, orno more than 100% of the conductive layer 2.

In an embodiment, the proportion of a flexible and/or elasticnon-conductive, semi-conductive or conductive material, including,without limitation, a silicone rubber or a fluorosilicone rubber, to bein contact with the skin 12 is at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 15%,at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, atleast 45%, at least 50%, at least 55%, at least 60%, at least 65%, atleast 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, atleast 95%, or at least 100% of the total conductive layer 2. In anembodiment, the proportion of a flexible and/or elastic non-conductive,semi-conductive or conductive material, including, without limitation, asilicone rubber or a fluorosilicone rubber, to be in contact with theskin 12 is no more than 5%, no more than 10%, no more than 15%, no morethan 20%, no more than 25%, no more than 30%, no more than 35%, no morethan 40%, no more than 45%, no more than 50%, no more than 55%, no morethan 60%, no more than 65%, no more than 70%, no more than 75%, no morethan 80%, no more than 85%, no more than 90%, no more than 95%, or nomore than 100% of the total conductive layer 2.

In another embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 2, the track 4 and theelectric connector 5 are covered with an insulating material 8. In anembodiment, for a sensor in contact with the skin of an individual, theelectrode/skin impedance is an element to determine the noise of asignal. In an embodiment, the electrical resistance of a electrode 3 isbetween 0.5Ω and 10Ω. In a further embodiment the resistance of thetrack 4 is between 1Ω and 50 kΩ. In another embodiment the resistance ofthe electrode 3 is at least 0.5Ω, at least 1Ω, at least 2Ω, at least,3Ω, at least 4Ω, at least 5Ω, at least 6Ω, at least 7Ω, at least 8Ω, atleast 9Ω, at least 10Ω, at least 11Ω, at least 12Ω, at least 13Ω, atleast 14Ω, at least 15Ω or more. In a further embodiment the resistanceof the track 4 is at least 0.5Ω, at least 1Ω, at least 2Ω, at least, 3Ω,at least 4Ω, at least 5Ω, at least 6Ω, at least 7Ω, at least 8Ω, atleast 9Ω, at least 10Ω, at least 11Ω, at least 12Ω, at least 13Ω, atleast 14Ω, at least 15Ω, at least 16Ω, at least 17Ω, at least 18Ω, atleast 19Ω, at least 20Ω, at least 21Ω, at least 22Ω, at least 23Ω, atleast 24Ω, at least 25Ω, at least 26Ω, at least 27Ω, at least 28Ω, atleast 29Ω, at least 30Ω, at least 31Ω, at least 32Ω, at least 33Ω, atleast 34Ω, at least 35Ω, at least 36Ω, at least 37Ω, at least 38Ω, atleast 39Ω, at least 40Ω, at least 41Ω, at least 42Ω, at least 43Ω, atleast 44Ω, at least 45Ω, at least 46Ω, at least 47Ω, at least 48Ω, atleast 49Ω, at least 50Ω, or more.

In another embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 4, a garment 7 includes,without limitation, a sensor 1. In a further embodiment, the garment 7is designed for applying a pressure equal or higher than 2 KPa. Inanother embodiment, the garment 7 comprises two layers, an inner and anouter layer 13, and the outer layer 13 compresses the sensor to the bodywith at least 2 KPa of pressure. In an embodiment, the garment 7 isdesigned for applying a pressure of at least 1 KPa, at least 1.25 KPa,at least 1.5 KPa, at least 1.75 KPa, at least 2 KPa, at least 3 KPa, atleast 4 KPa, at least 5 KPa, at least 6 KPa, at least 7 KPa, at least 8KPa, at least 9 KPa, at least 10 KPa, at least 11 KPa, at least 12 KPa,at least 13 KPa, at least 14 KPa, at least 15 KPa, at least 16 KPa, atleast 17 KPa, at least 18 KPa, at least 19 KPa, at least 20 KPa, atleast 21 KPa, at least 22 KPa, at least 23 KPa, at least 24 KPa, atleast 25 KPa, at least 26 KPa, at least 27 KPa, at least 28 KPa, atleast 29 KPa, at least 30 KPa or more. In another embodiment, thegarment 7 comprises two layers, an inner and an outer layer 13, and theouter layer 13 compresses the sensor to the body with at least 1 KPa, atleast 1.25 KPa, at least 1.5 KPa, at least 1.75 KPa, at least 2 KPa, atleast 3 KPa, at least 4 KPa, at least 5 KPa, at least 6 KPa, at least 7KPa, at least 8 KPa, at least 9 KPa, at least 10 KPa, at least 11 KPa,at least 12 KPa, at least 13 KPa, at least 14 KPa, at least 15 KPa, atleast 16 KPa, at least 17 KPa, at least 18 KPa, at least 19 KPa, atleast 20 KPa, at least 21 KPa, at least 22 KPa, at least 23 KPa, atleast 24 KPa, at least 25 KPa, at least 26 KPa, at least 27 KPa, atleast 28 KPa, at least 29 KPa, at least 30 KPa or more.

In another embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 4, the outer layer 13comprises a system to regulate the pressure. In a further embodiment,the inner layer has low elasticity and the outer layer 13 has highelasticity. The inner layer is comprising a blend of synthetic fiber andspandex, wherein the synthetic fiber comprises 85% to 90% by weight ofthe composite elastic material and in a further embodiment, 87% to 89%,and wherein the spandex comprises 10% to 15% by weight of the compositeelastic material, and in a further embodiment 11% to 13%. In anotherembodiment, the outer layer 13 is comprised of a blend of syntheticfiber and spandex, wherein the synthetic fiber comprises 92% to 97% byweight of the composite elastic material and in a further embodiment,94% to 96%, and wherein the spandex comprises 3% to 8% by weight of thecomposite elastic material, and in a further embodiment, 4% to 6%. Theouter layer 13 compresses the sensor to the skin, and the stability andfixation of the sensor 1 are improved.

In an embodiment, the synthetic fiber comprises at least 1%, at least5%, at least 10%, at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, at least 50%, at least55%, at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least80%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least94%, at least 95% or at least 100% by weight of the composite elasticmaterial. In another embodiment, the spandex comprises at least 1%, atleast 2%, at least 3%, at least 4%, at least 5%, at least 6%, at least7%, at least 8%, at least 9%, at least 10%, at least 11%, at least 12%,at least 13%, at least 14%, at least 15%, at least 16%, at least 17%, atleast 18%, at least 19%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, atleast 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, at least 50%, at least 55%, atleast 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, atleast 85%, at least 90%, at least 95% or at least 100% by weight of thecomposite elastic material.

As depicted in FIGS. 2, 3A, 3B and 4, track 4 of conductive layer 2 ofsensor 1 is placed between inner and outer layer 13 of the garment, andelectrode 3 is over the inner layer of the garment, electrode 3 beingable to be in contact with skin 12 of the user of garment 7. The sensor1 as depicted in FIG. 2 can be prepared by a process comprising thesteps of: a) die cutting a conductive layer of conductive fabric; b)adding a hot melt adhesive on one surface of the conductive layer; c)screen printing with an anti-slip flexible semi-conductive or conductivematerial, including, without limitation, silicone rubber on theorificies 6 or grooves 11 of the electrode 3, at a temperature comprisebetween 10-30° C.; and d) curing the silicone, and in an embodiment,without limitation, for up two minutes at a temperature comprisedbetween 130-190° C. The process can further comprise the step of screenprinting with a flexible and/or elastic semi-conductive or conductivematerial, including, without limitation, silicone rubber loaded with aconductive material to form track 4.

In an embodiment, a first aspect of the invention relates to a fabricwhich comprises at least an electrically conductive area 1 integratedinto the fabric, wherein the electrically conductive area 1 comprises alayer of a flexible semi-conductive or conductive material, including,without limitation, silicone rubber and/or a fluorsilicone rubber loadedwith an amount comprising from 5% w/w to 40% w/w of an electricallyconductive material. The fabric is able to stretch between 1% and 200%as compared to the same fabric when it is not stretched.

In a further embodiment, a flexible and/or elastic semi-conductive orconductive material, including, without limitation, silicone rubber isloaded with an amount comprising at least 1% w/w, 2% w/w, 3% w/w, 4%w/w, 5% w/w, 6% w/w, 7% w/w, 8% w/w, 9% w/w, 10% w/w, 11% w/w, 12% w/w,13% w/w, 14% w/w, 15% w/w, 16% w/w, 17% w/w, 18% w/w, 19% w/w, 20% w/w,21% w/w, 22% w/w, 23% w/w, 24% w/w, 26% w/w, 27% w/w, 28% w/w, 29% w/w,30% w/w, 31% w/w, 32% w/w, 33% w/w, 34% w/w, 35% w/w, 36% w/w, 37% w/w,38% w/w, 39% w/w, 40% w/w, 41% w/w, 42% w/w, 43% w/w, 44% w/w, 45% w/w,46% w/w, 47% w/w, 48% w/w, 49% w/w, 50% w/w, 51% w/w, 52% w/w, 53% w/w,54% w/w, 55% w/w, 56% w/w, 57% w/w, 58% w/w, 59% w/w, 60% w/w, 65% w/w,70% w/w, 75% w/w, 80% w/w, 85% w/w, 90% w/w, 95% w/w or more of anelectrically conductive material. In another embodiment, a flexibleand/or elastic semi-conductive or conductive material, including,without limitation, silicone rubber is loaded with an amount comprisingno more than 1% w/w, 2% w/w, 3% w/w, 4% w/w, 5% w/w, 6% w/w, 7% w/w, 8%w/w, 9% w/w, 10% w/w, 11% w/w, 12% w/w, 13% w/w, 14% w/w, 15% w/w, 16%w/w, 17% w/w, 18% w/w, 19% w/w, 20% w/w, 21% w/w, 22% w/w, 23% w/w, 24%w/w, 26% w/w, 27% w/w, 28% w/w, 29% w/w, 30% w/w, 31% w/w, 32% w/w, 33%w/w, 34% w/w, 35% w/w, 36% w/w, 37% w/w, 38% w/w, 39% w/w, 40% w/w, 41%w/w, 42% w/w, 43% w/w, 44% w/w, 45% w/w, 46% w/w, 47% w/w, 48% w/w, 49%w/w, 50% w/w, 51% w/w, 52% w/w, 53% w/w, 54% w/w, 55% w/w, 56% w/w, 57%w/w, 58% w/w, 59% w/w, 60% w/w, 65% w/w, 70% w/w, 75% w/w, 80% w/w, 85%w/w, 90% w/w, 95% w/w or more of an electrically conductive material.

In another embodiment, the fabric is able to stretch at least 1%, atleast 2%, at least 3%, at least 4%, at least 5%, 6%, at least 7%, atleast 8%, at least 9%, at least 10%, at least 15%, at least 20%, atleast 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, atleast 50%, at least 55%, at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, atleast 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95% atleast 100%, at least 105%, at least 110%, at least 115%, at least 120%,at least 125%, at least 130%, at least 135%, at least 140%, at least145%, at least 150%, at least 155%, at least 160%, at least 165%, atleast 170%, at least 175%, at least 180%, at least 185%, at least 190%,at least 195%, at least 200%, at least 210%, at least 220%, at least230%, at least 240%, at least 250%, at least 260%, at least 270%, atleast 280%, at least 290%, at least 300% or more as compared to the samefabric when it is not stretched.

In an embodiment, a fabric that is able to stretch includes, withoutlimitation, an elastic fabric, for example, without limitation,polyester and/or nylon. In a further embodiment, a fabric that is ableto stretch is, without limitation, a fabric which comprises a percentageof elastane, from 3% w/w to 20% w/w. In another embodiment, a fabricthat is able to stretch is, without limitation, a fabric which comprisesa percentage of elastane of at least 1% w/w, 2% w/w, 3% w/w, 4% w/w, 5%w/w, 6% w/w, 7% w/w, 8% w/w, 9% w/w, 10% w/w, 11% w/w, 12% w/w, 13% w/w,14% w/w, 15% w/w, 16% w/w, 17% w/w, 18% w/w, 19% w/w, 20% w/w, 21% w/w,22% w/w, 23% w/w, 24% w/w, 26% w/w, 27% w/w, 28% w/w, 29% w/w, 30% w/w,31% w/w, 32% w/w, 33% w/w, 34% w/w, 35% w/w, 36% w/w, 37% w/w, 38% w/w,39% w/w, 40% w/w, 41% w/w, 42% w/w, 43% w/w, 44% w/w, 45% w/w, 46% w/w,47% w/w, 48% w/w, 49% w/w, 50% w/w, 51% w/w, 52% w/w, 53% w/w, 54% w/w,55% w/w, 56% w/w, 57% w/w, 58% w/w, 59% w/w, 60% w/w, 65% w/w, 70% w/w,75% w/w, 80% w/w, 85% w/w, 90% w/w, 95% w/w or more. In an embodiment, afabric that is able to stretch is, without limitation, a fabric whichcomprises a percentage of elastane of no more than 1% w/w, 2% w/w, 3%w/w, 4% w/w, 5% w/w, 6% w/w, 7% w/w, 8% w/w, 9% w/w, 10% w/w, 11% w/w,12% w/w, 13% w/w, 14% w/w, 15% w/w, 16% w/w, 17% w/w, 18% w/w, 19% w/w,20% w/w, 21% w/w, 22% w/w, 23% w/w, 24% w/w, 26% w/w, 27% w/w, 28% w/w,29% w/w, 30% w/w, 31% w/w, 32% w/w, 33% w/w, 34% w/w, 35% w/w, 36% w/w,37% w/w, 38% w/w, 39% w/w, 40% w/w, 41% w/w, 42% w/w, 43% w/w, 44% w/w,45% w/w, 46% w/w, 47% w/w, 48% w/w, 49% w/w, 50% w/w, 51% w/w, 52% w/w,53% w/w, 54% w/w, 55% w/w, 56% w/w, 57% w/w, 58% w/w, 59% w/w, 60% w/w,65% w/w, 70% w/w, 75% w/w, 80% w/w, 85% w/w, 90% w/w, 95% w/w or more.

In an embodiment, and as depicted in FIG. 5, electronic instrument 14that is attached to an electrical connection either directly or through,without limitation a wire, Bluetooth, wireless, RF wireless, otherwireless, infrared, laser or optical that is adapted to receive,collect, process, store, and/or transmit data from sensors 1incorporated in a garment. In an example, data from a sensor 1 comprisesan ECG signal that is received by electronic instrument 14. In a furtherembodiment, different storage, processing, and/or transmitting methodsand devices can be incorporated in the electronic instrument.

In an embodiment, when the flexible, elastic and electrically conductivearea 4 as depicted in FIGS. 15A and 15B is elongated, the fabric supportextends substantially the full length of that layer. In anotherembodiment, the flexibility and the elasticity of a flexiblesemi-conductive or conductive material, including, without limitation,silicone rubber and/or fluorosilicone rubber enables electricallyconductive area 4 to be held in very good conformity and theconductivity is not interrupted.

In an embodiment, electrically conductive area 4 integrated into afabric may work as a track. In a further embodiment, a fabric comprisesat least track 4, at least electrode 3 electrically in contact withtrack 4, and at least electrical connector 5 placed in track 4. Inanother embodiment, track 4, transmits an electrical signal fromelectrode 3 placed in contact with the skin of a user to electricalconnector 5 placed in track 4. Connector 5 may be in contact with anelectronic instrument for receiving and collecting and/or storing and/orprocessing, and/or transmitting data from the fabric.

In an embodiment, a flexible and/or elastic semi-conductive orconductive material, including, without limitation, a silicone rubberand/or a fluorosilicone, is in a liquid state prior to the initiation ofthe process of curing. In another embodiment, a flexible semi-conductiveor conductive material, including, without limitation, silicone rubberand/or a fluorosilicone is in a liquid state prior to and/or when it isprinted in a fabric. In an embodiment, the adhesion of a flexible and/orelastic semi-conductive or conductive material, including, withoutlimitation, silicone rubber and/or a fluorosilicone in a fabric iscompleted without an additional adhesive. In an embodiment, a track isintegrated into a fabric. In a further embodiment, a track is integratedinto a fabric with an adhesive.

In an embodiment, a silicone and/or fluorosilicone rubber in a liquidstate when printed in and/or on a fabric is capable of penetrating theorifices of a fabric and anchoring the structure of the track in and/oron the fabric. In an embodiment, a first layer of silicone rubber and/orfluorsilicone rubber is loaded with an electrically conductive material.In a further embodiment, a flexible and/or elastic semi-conductive orconductive material, including, without limitation, silicone rubberand/or fluorsilicone rubber is in a liquid low-viscosity state, a liquidmedium-viscosity and/or a liquid high-viscosity state prior to theprocess of curing. In an embodiment, flexible and/or elasticsemi-conductive or conductive material, including, without limitation,silicone rubber and/or fluorsilicone rubber is printed in a fabric whenthe flexible semi-conductive or conductive material, including, withoutlimitation, silicone rubber is in a liquid low-viscosity state, a liquidmedium-viscosity and/or a liquid high-viscosity state and further,without limitation, a flexible semi-conductive or conductive material,including, without limitation, silicone rubber and/or fluorsiliconerubber is bonded to a fabric without an adhesive and penetrates theorifices of the fabric. In an embodiment, a track is integrated intoand/or onto a fabric.

Accordingly, in an embodiment, a fabric which comprises at least anelastic and electrically conductive track integrated into the fabric,wherein the elastic and electrically conductive track comprises aflexible semi-conductive or conductive material, including, withoutlimitation, silicone rubber loaded with an electrically conductivematerial is manufactured according to the following procedure: a)screen-printing, applying a pressure comprising from 0.2 to 0.8 Kg/m², afirst coating of silicone rubber loaded with a electrically conductivematerial on the fabric; b) pre-curing the first coating for up oneminute at a temperature of between 80° C. to 200° C.; c) curing thefirst coating at room temperature;

Wherein, the thickness of the printed electrically conductive materialis from about 120 to 800 μm thick. In an embodiment, the thickness ofthe elastic and electrically conductive track layer is from about 50 to800 μm thick, from about 100 to 500 μm thick, from about 120 to 400 μmthick, from about 150 to 300 μm thick, or from about 120 to 180 μmthick. In an embodiment, other alternatives known in the art such asconductive inks can be used as the material for a track.

In an embodiment, the thickness of the printed electrically conductivematerial is at least 20 μm, at least 30 μm, at least 40 μm, at least 50μm, at least 60 μm, at least 70 μm, at least 80 μm, at least 90 μm, atleast 100 μm, at least 125 μm, at least 150 μm, at least 175 μm, atleast 200 μm, at least 225 μm, at least 250 μm, at least 275 μm, atleast 300 μm, at least 325 μm, at least 350 μm, at least 375 μm, atleast 400 μm, at least 425 μm, at least 450 μm, at least 475 μm, atleast 500 μm, at least 525 μm, at least 550 μm, at least 575 μm, atleast 600 μm, at least 625 μm, at least 650 μm, at least 675 μm, atleast 700 μm, at least 725 μm, at least 750 μm, at least 775 μm, atleast 800 μm, at least 825 μm, at least 850 μm, at least 875 μm, atleast 900 μm, at least 925 μm, at least 950 μm, at least 975 μm, atleast 1000 μm, or more thick. In an embodiment, the thickness of theprinted electrically conductive material is no more than 10 μm, no morethan 20 μm, no more than 30 μm, no more than 40 μm, no more than 50 μm,no more than 60 μm, no more than 70 μm, no more than 80 μm, no more than90 μm, no more than 100 μm, no more than 125 μm, no more than 150 μm, nomore than 175 μm, no more than 200 μm, no more than 225 μm, no more than250 μm, no more than 275 μm, no more than 300 μm, no more than 325 μm,no more than 350 μm, no more than 375 μm, no more than 400 μm, no morethan 425 μm, no more than 450 μm, no more than 475 μm, no more than 500μm, no more than 525 μm, no more than 550 μm, no more than 575 μm, nomore than 600 μm, no more than 625 μm, no more than 650 μm, no more than675 μm, no more than 700 μm, no more than 725 μm, no more than 750 μm,no more than 775 μm, no more than 800 μm, no more than 825 μm, no morethan 850 μm, no more than 875 μm, no more than 900 μm, no more than 925μm, no more than 950 μm, no more than 975 μm, no more than 1000 μm, orless thick.

In another embodiment, an electrical conductive area, including, withoutlimitation, a track, is not printed directly into a fabric. In thisembodiment, there is a second layer of a flexible and/or elasticmaterial, including, without limitation, a silicone layer and/or afluorosilicone between a fabric and a conductive area and a second layerof a flexible and/or elastic material, including, without limitation, asilicone and/or a fluorosilicone that is printed into a fabric and isintegrated into the fabric as, without limitation, it is able topenetrate the orifices of the fabric and anchor the electronicallyconductive area in the fibers of the fabric. In an embodiment, aflexible material, including, without limitation, a silicone and/or afluorosilicone that is loaded with an electrically conductive materialis printed over the second flexible and/or elastic material, including,without limitation, a silicone and integrated into a molecular structureof the second flexible material, including, without limitation, asilicone and/or a fluorosilicone by means of chemical bonds. In eithercase the fabric cohesive strength is improved and a situation where aflexible and/or elastic material, including, without limitation, asilicone and/or a fluorosilicone that is loaded with an electricallyconductive material and the second flexible and/or elastic material,including, without limitation, a silicone and/or a fluorosilicone arejointly integrated into the fabric.

In an embodiment an electrically conductive material which is added to aflexible and/or elastic material, including, without limitation, asilicone and/or a fluorosilicone for imparting electric conductivity isselected from carbon fibers, carbon black, nickel coated graphite,copper fibers and mixtures thereof or various metal powders such assilver, nickel, and copper. In an embodiment, the electricallyconductive material is a carbon black, such as VP97065/30 (AlpinaTechnische Produkte GmbH).

In an embodiment the percentage of a conductive material is between 10%to 35%. In another embodiment the percentage of the conductive materialis between 15% to 30%. In a further embodiment the percentage of theconductive material is between 20% to 25%. In an embodiment, thepercentage of a conductive material is at least 1%, at least 5%, atleast 10%, at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, atleast 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, at least 50%, at least 55%, atleast 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, atleast 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, atleast 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, atleast 95% or at least 100%. In another embodiment, the spandex comprisesat least 1%, at least 2%, at least 3%, at least 4%, at least 5%, atleast 6%, at least 7%, at least 8%, at least 9%, at least 10%, at least11%, at least 12%, at least 13%, at least 14%, at least 15%, at least16%, at least 17%, at least 18%, at least 19%, at least 20%, at least25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, at least50%, at least 55%, at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95% or more. Inanother embodiment, the percentage of a conductive material is no morethan 1%, no more than 5%, no more than 10%, no more than 15%, no morethan 20%, no more than 25%, no more than 30%, no more than 35%, no morethan 40%, no more than 45%, no more than 50%, no more than 55%, no morethan 60%, no more than 65%, no more than 70%, no more than 75%, no morethan 80%, no more than 85%, no more than 86%, no more than 87%, no morethan 88%, no more than 89%, no more than 90%, no more than 91%, no morethan 92%, no more than 93%, no more than 94%, no more than 95% or nomore than 100%. In another embodiment, the spandex comprises no morethan 1%, no more than 2%, no more than 3%, no more than 4%, no more than5%, no more than 6%, no more than 7%, no more than 8%, no more than 9%,no more than 10%, no more than 11%, no more than 12%, no more than 13%,no more than 14%, no more than 15%, no more than 16%, no more than 17%,no more than 18%, no more than 19%, no more than 20%, no more than 25%,no more than 30%, no more than 35%, no more than 40%, no more than 45%,no more than 50%, no more than 55%, no more than 60%, no more than 65%,no more than 70%, no more than 75%, no more than 80%, no more than 85%,no more than 90%, no more than 95% or less

In another embodiment, as depicted in FIGS. 15A and 15B, the fabricfurther comprises a coating of an insulating material covering a sensor,including, without limitiation, silicone rubber and/or fluorsiliconerubber that, without limitation, may, but is not required to be loadedwith an electrically conductive material. In another embodiment, aninsulating material covers a track and/or an electrode. In anembodiment, an insulating material is an anti-slip material, including,without limitation, silicone rubber and/or fluorosilicone rubber. In anembodiment, a fabric of the invention acquires a physiological signalwhen electrode 3 is placed in contact with the skin of an individual. Inanother embodiment, a fabric comprises electrode 3 that is placed incontact with the skin of an individual and further wherein, withoutlimitation, an electrical contact is located in track 4.

In an embodiment, when a flexible, elastic and conductive electrode iselongate, a fabric support extends substantially the full length of thatlayer. In a further embodiment, the flexibility and elasticity of theflexible material, including, without limitation, silicone rubber and/orfluorosilicone rubber, enables the electrode to be held in very goodconformity and electrical surface-contact with the patient's skinthroughout substantially the whole area during all phases of the flexingand stretching of the sensor in contact with an individual's skin.

In an electrocardiogram (ECG) measurement, the contact resistancebetween the skin of an individual, including, without limitation, ahuman body and the electrodes can be about several MΩ. In an embodiment,a resistance value, from an electrode through a track to an electricalconnector or back is 1000 KΩ or less, wherein a track comprises aflexible and/or elastic material, including, without limitation, asilicone rubber and/or fluorosilicone rubber loaded with an electricallyconductive material. In an embodiment, a sensor is sufficient forpractical use when the flexible and/or elastic material used in a track,including, without limitation, silicone rubber and/or fluorosiliconerubber loaded with electrically conductive material that is stretched byabout 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%,16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20%, 21%, 22%, 23%, 24%, 25%, 26%, 27%, 28%, 29%,30%, 31%, 32%, 33%, 34%, 35%, 36%, 37%, 38%, 39%, 40%, 41%, 42%, 43%,44%, 45%, 4647%, 48%, 49%, 50% or more.

In a further embodiment, a resistance value, from one end of a sensor,(electrical connector to an electrode or an electrode to an electricalconnector), wherein a track is comprising a flexible and/or elasticmaterial, including, without limitation, a silicone rubber and/orfluorosilicone rubber loaded with electrically conductive material, isless than 50 KΩ, 100 KΩ, 150 KΩ, 200 KΩ, 250 KΩ, 300 KΩ, 350 KΩ, 400 KΩ,450 KΩ, 500 KΩ, 550 KΩ, 600 KΩ, 650 KΩ, 700 KΩ, 750 KΩ, 800 KΩ, 850 KΩ,900 KΩ, 950 KΩ or 1000 KΩ when the flexible and/or elastic material,including, without limitation, silicone rubber loaded with electricallyconductive material is stretched by about 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%,8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20%, 21%, 22%,23%, 24%, 25%, 26%, 27%, 28%, 29%, 30%, 31%, 32%, 33%, 34%, 35%, 36%,37%, 38%, 39%, 40%, 41%, 42%, 43%, 44%, 45%, 46%, 47%, 48%, 49%, 50% ormore.

In a embodiment, the electrical resistance per cm of a flexible and/orelastic material, including, without limitation, silicone rubber and/orfluorosilicone rubber loaded with an electrically conductive material is1000 KΩ/cm or less, or in a further embodiment, 500 KΩ/cm or less. Inanother embodiment, the electrical resistance per cm of a flexibleand/or elastic material, including, without limitation, silicone rubberand/or fluorosilicone rubber loaded with an electrically conductivematerial is comprising from 50 Ω/cm to 100 kΩ/cm, and in a furtherembodiment, 1 KΩ/cm to 100 KΩ/cm, and in another embodiment, theresistance per cm value is comprising from 50 Ω/cm to 10 KΩ/cm. In afurther embodiment, the electrical resistance per cm of a flexibleand/or elastic material, including, without limitation, silicone rubberand/or fluorosilicone rubber loaded with an electrically conductivematerial that is less than 1 KΩ/cm, less than 2 KΩ/cm, less than 3KΩ/cm, less than 4 KΩ/cm, less than 5 KΩ/cm, less than 6 KΩ/cm, lessthan 7 KΩ/cm, less than 8 KΩ/cm, less than 9 KΩ/cm, less than 10 KΩ/cm,less than 11 KΩ/cm, less than 12 KΩ/cm, less than 13 KΩ/cm, less than 14KΩ/cm, less than 15 KΩ/cm, less than 16 KΩ/cm, less than 17 KΩ/cm, lessthan 18 KΩ/cm, less than 19 KΩ/cm, less than 20 KΩ/cm, less than 21KΩ/cm, less than 22 KΩ/cm, less than 23 KΩ/cm, less than 24 KΩ/cm, lessthan 25 KΩ/cm, less than 26 KΩ/cm, less than 27 KΩ/cm, less than 28KΩ/cm, less than 29 KΩ/cm, less than 30 KΩ/cm, less than 31 KΩ/cm, lessthan 32 KΩ/cm, less than 33 KΩ/cm, less than 34 KΩ/cm, less than 35KΩ/cm, less than 36 KΩ/cm, less than 37 KΩ/cm, less than 38 KΩ/cm, lessthan 39 KΩ/cm, less than 40 KΩ/cm, less than 41 KΩ/cm, less than 42KΩ/cm, less than 43 KΩ/cm, less than 44 KΩ/cm, less than 45 KΩ/cm, lessthan 46 KΩ/cm, less than 47 KΩ/cm, less than 48 KΩ/cm, less than 49KΩ/cm, less than 50 KΩ/cm, 55 KΩ/cm, less than 60 KΩ/cm, less than 65KΩ/cm, less than 70 KΩ/cm, less than 75 KΩ/cm, less than 80 KΩ/cm, lessthan 85 KΩ/cm, less than 90 KΩ/cm, less than 95 KΩ/cm, less than 100KΩ/cm, 150 KΩ/cm, 200 KΩ/cm, 250 KΩ/cm, 300 KΩ/cm, 350 KΩ/cm, 400 KΩ/cm,450 KΩ/cm, 500 KΩ/cm, 550 KΩ/cm, 600 KΩ/cm, 650 KΩ/cm, 700 KΩ/cm, 750KΩ/cm, 800 KΩ/cm, 850 KΩ/cm, 900 KΩ/cm, 950 KΩ/cm or 100 KΩ/cm

In another embodiment, the cured temperature of a silicone rubber and/orfluorosilicone rubber loaded with an electrically conductive material isbetween 20° C. to 200° C. In a further embodiment, the cured temperatureis between 50° C. to 140° C. In another embodiment the cured temperatureis between 100° C. to 120° C. In an embodiment, the cured temperature ofa silicone rubber loaded with an electrically conductive material is nomore than 5° C., no more than 10° C., no more than 15° C., no more than20° C., no more than 25° C., no more than 30° C., no more than 35° C.,no more than 40° C., no more than 45° C., no more than 50° C., no morethan 55° C., no more than 60° C., no more than 65° C., no more than 70°C., no more than 75° C., no more than 80° C., no more than 85° C., nomore than 90° C., no more than 95° C., no more than 100° C., no morethan 110° C., no more than 120° C., no more than 130° C., no more than140° C., no more than 150° C., no more than 160° C., no more than 165,no more than 170° C., no more than 180° C., no more than 190° C., nomore than 200° C., no more than 210° C., no more than 220° C., no morethan 230° C., no more than 240° C., no more than 250° C., no more than260° C., no more than 270° C., no more than 280° C., no more than 290°C. or no more than 300° C.

In an embodiment, a silicone rubber and/or fluorosilicone rubber loadedwith an electrically conductive material contains a platinum catalyst,diorganopolysiloxane having silicon-bonded alkenyl groups,organohydrogenpolysiloxane and an electrically conductive material.

In an embodiment, a silicone rubber loaded with an amount between 5% w/wto 40% w/w of an electrically conductive material comprises: a)diorganopolysiloxane having silicon-bonded alkenyl groups; b)organohydrogenpolysiloxanes; c) a platinum catalyst; and d) anelectrically conductive material.

In a further embodiment, examples of the diorganopolysiloxane havingsilicon-bonded alkenyl groups are, without limitation,dimethylvinylsiloxy-terminated dimethylpolysiloxane gums,dimethylallylsiloxy-terminated dimethylpolysiloxane gums,phenylmethylvinylsiloxy-terminated diphenylsiloxane-dimethylsiloxanecopolymer gums, dimethylvinylsiloxy-terminatedmethylvinylsiloxane-dimethylsiloxane copolymer gums andsilanol-terminated methylvinylsiloxane-dimethylsiloxane copolymer gums.

In another embodiment, examples of the organohydrogenpolysiloxanes are,without limitation, trimethylsiloxy-terminatedmethylhydrogenpolysiloxanes, trimethylsiloxy-terminateddimethylsiloxane-methylhydrogensiloxane copolymers,dimethylphenylsioxy-terminatedmethylphenylsiloxanemethyl-hydrogensiloxane copolymers, cyclicmethylhydrogenpolysiloxanes and copolymers composed ofdimethylhydrogensiloxy units and SiO_(4/2) units.

In an embodiment, and without limitation, a platinum catalyst known as acuring acceleration catalyst for a silicone composition which cures by ahydrosilation reaction, include, without limitation, platinum black,platinum on active carbon, platinum on silica micropowder,chloroplatinic acid, alcohol solutions of chloroplatinic acid, platinumolefin complexes, platinum tetrachloride, platinum vinylsiloxanecomplexes, chloroplatinic acid-olefin complexes, chloroplatinic acidmethylvinylsiloxane complexes.

In an embodiment, a silicone rubber loaded with an amount between 5% w/wto 40% w/w of a electrically conductive material comprises: a)divinylpolydimethylsiloxane in a percentage between 60% w/w to 75% w/w;b) dioxosilane in a percentage between 7% w/w to 15% w/w, c) carbonblack in a percentage between 5% w/w to 15% w/w, d) platinum(0)-1,3-divinyl-1,1,3,3-tetramethyl disiloxane (CAS No. 68478-92-2) in apercentage between 0.001% w/w to 0.05% w/w and; e)polydimethylthydrogensiloxane in a percentage between 3% w/w to 7% w/w.

In an embodiment, a preparation process of the fabric of the inventioncomprises the steps of a) liquid-printing a first coating of a siliconerubber loaded with an amount between 5% w/w to 40% w/w of a electricallyconductive material on the fabric; b) pre-curing the first coating forup one minute at a temperature of at between 80° C. to 200° C.; and c)curing the first coating at room temperature.

In an embodiment, a garment comprises a circuit, including, withoutlimitation, a circuit board, with elastic and flexibility mechanicalproperties, where the circuit board is a fabric mesh and a wiring systemis conductive silicone printed on the fabric of the garment. In anembodiment, an electronic component to be placed in a flexiblesemi-conductive or conductive material, including, without limitation, asilicone rubber and/or fluorosilicone rubber, must be placed in theflexible material, including, without limitation, silicone rubber and/orfluorosilicone rubber, prior to its curing. In an embodiment, in orderto use the flexible material, including, without limitation, siliconerubber and/or fluorosilicone rubber as a wiring system the electroniccomponents may be place in the fabric before applying the liquidsemi-conductive or conductive flexible material, including, withoutlimitation, a silicone rubber and/or fluorosilicone rubber. This methodis described in an embodiment comprising the following steps: a) coatingthe electrode with a thermal adhesive; b) fixing the electrode to thefabric; c) liquid-printing a first layer of silicone rubber loaded withan amount between 5% w/w to 40% w/w of a electrically conductivematerial on the fabric; d) pre-curing the first layer for up one minuteat a temperature of at between 80° C. to 200° C.; e) coating a layer ofan insulating material covering the first layer of the silicone rubberloaded with an electrically conductive material; f) curing at roomtemperature; g) putting the connector.

In another embodiment, a first layer of a flexible material, including,without limitation, a silicone rubber and/or fluorosilicone rubber, isloaded with an electrically conductive material that is screen-printedwith a thickness comprising from 120-800 μm, of from 200-500 μm or offrom 300-400 μm.

In another embodiment an electrically conductive material isscreen-printed with a thickness of at least 25 μm, 50 μm, 75 μm, 100 μm,120 μm, 130 μm, 140 μm, 150 μm, 160 μm, 170 μm, 180 μm, 190 μm, 200 μm,210 μm, 220 μm, 230 μm, 240 μm, 250 μm, 260 μm, 270 μm, 280 μm, 290 μm,300 μm, 325 μm, 350 μm, 375 μm, 400 μm, 425 μm, 450 μm, 475 μm, 500 μm,525 μm, 550 μm, 575 μm, 600 μm, 625 μm, 650 μm, 675 μm, 700 μm, 725 μm,750 μm, 775 μm, 800 μm, 825 μm, 850 μm, 875 μm, 900 μm, 925 μm, 950 μm,975 μm, 1000 μm, or more. In another embodiment an electricallyconductive material is screen-printed with a thickness of no more than25 μm, 50 μm, 75 μm, 100 μm, 120 μm, 130 μm, 140 μm, 150 μm, 160 μm, 170μm, 180 μm, 190 μm, 200 μm, 210 μm, 220 μm, 230 μm, 240 μm, 250 μm, 260μm, 270 μm, 280 μm, 290 μm, 300 μm, 325 μm, 350 μm, 375 μm, 400 μm, 425μm, 450 μm, 475 μm, 500 μm, 525 μm, 550 μm, 575 μm, 600 μm, 625 μm, 650μm, 675 μm, 700 μm, 725 μm, 750 μm, 775 μm, 800 μm, 825 μm, 850 μm, 875μm, 900 μm, 925 μm, 950 μm, 975 μm, 1000 μm, or less.

In an embodiment, the method of preparation of the track and electricalconnector assembly comprises: a) die cut at least one conductive supportbase; b) fix the at least one conductive support base to a fabricsupport with a textile adhesive, including, without limitation, a holtmelt adhesive applying pressure and heating from 80°-185° C., including,without limitation, 110-165° C., for 5-30 seconds, including, withoutlimitation, 10-20 seconds; screen-printing a conductive silicone rubberon the textile fabric substrate, while partially treading in the atleast one shaped end, including, without limitation, a shaped end,including, without limitation, a round shaped end of the conductivesupport base, applying a pressure comprising from 0.2 to 0.8 Kg/m². Inan embodiment, the steps a) and b) describe a process for thepreparation of an electrode, the steps c) to f) describe a process forthe preparation of an electrically conductive area (track). In anembodiment, the process for the preparation of an electricallyconductive area (track), steps c) to g) can be carried out before theprocess of preparing an electrode steps a) and b).

FIG. 21 depicts, a flexible conductive support base comprises two areas,one being treaded by elastic semi-conductive or conductive track 20 aand the other one 20 b either being adapted to connect a rigidelectrical component or being adapted to be used as an electrode. FIGS.20, 21 and 24 depict an elastic semi-conductive track and flexibleconductive support base assembly wherein, each end of track 20 a and20′a are treading on two different flexible conductive support bases 20and 20′. In another embodiment, non-treaded area 20′b of one of flexibleconductive support bases 18, is adapted to be used as electrode 20′b andon non-treaded area 20 b of the other flexible conductive support basethere is arranged rigid electrical component 5. In another embodiment,an elastic semi-conductive track and flexible conductive support baseassembly comprises one end of track 17 a that is treading on the atleast one shaped end, including, without limitation, round shaped end 20a of one flexible conductive support base 18, whereas on non-treadedarea 20 b of such support base there is arranged rigid electricalcomponent 5; and the other end of track 17 b is adapted to be inelectrical contact with an electrode.

In another embodiment, a rigid electrical component 5 can be arranged inelectrical contact with a sensor. In a further embodiment, and withoutlimitation, an electrical component includes, without limitation,electrical connectors, switches, resistors, capacitors, passivecomponents (protection devices), magnetic (inductive) devices,piezoelectric devices, crystals, resonators, power sources,semiconductors (diodes, transistors, integrated circuits, optoelectronicdevices), display devices, antennas, transducers, sensors,electrochemical sensors, detectors and electrodes.

As depicted in FIGS. 20, 21, 22 and 24, a conductive support base 18 isa flexible and conductive textile comprising conductive andnon-conductive fibres, having at least one of its ends 20 a, the endwhich is treaded by the track, round shaped, being in an embodiment, andwithout limitation, a teardrop-like shape as depicted in FIG. 22. Inanother embodiment, the shape and dimension of a track may vary and itis not limited by the manufacturing process of the fabric substrate.

In an embodiment, a conductive support base has a teardrop-like shape,wherein a connection edging between the support base and a track has ashaped end, including, without limitation, a round shaped end that can,without limitation, improve the mechanical resistance to stretching,minimizing or substantially avoiding tearing the joints when the trackis stretched, twisted, folded and/or squeezed while used. Furthermore,the circuit design is simplified since the support base can be guided tothe track direction and vice versa.

According to an embodiment, the conductive support base is attached to afabric with a (textile) fabric adhesive. In another embodiment, a(textile) fabric adhesive includes, without limitation, any suitablehot-melt adhesive for use in a (textile) fabric. In an embodiment, atrack is elastic and flexible. In another embodiment, the elasticity andflexibility of an electrically conductive track provides, withoutlimitation, that conductivity is not interrupted with the movement ofthe fabric. A track may be provided to a fabric in any manner known inthe art, including, without limitation, to a surface of the fabricsubstrate through screen-printing methods.

As depicted in FIG. 21, placing rigid electrical component 5, forinstance, without limitation, an electrical connector, on the conductivesupport base 18, which is electrically in contact with the elastic andsemi-conductive track 17 instead of directly in contact with the track,results in an improvement of, without limitation, the mechanicalproperties of the assembly, avoiding the textile being torn whenstretching.

In an embodiment, a conductive support base is used as a conductive footprint which is in electrical contact with the elastic and electricallyconductive track that functions, without limitation, as a conductivesupport base wherein rigid electrical component 5 is arranged. In anembodiment, if a flexible conductive support base is elastic, theassembly will work perfectly on its own, but when a rigid electricalcomponent is in placed, such as, without limitation, an electricalconnector, the stress will move from the joint between track and supportbase to the joint between the support base and rigid electricalcomponent. This results in the mechanical properties of a joint betweenan elastic and a rigid element being low as the assembly suffersmechanical stress. When the assembly is integrated into a textile, themechanical properties of the joints between the different materials arecrucial to obtain a proper electrical circuit.

In an embodiment, a track is integrated into a fabric and partially intoan at least one round shaped end of a conductive support base byanchoring the flexible material, including, without limitation, siliconewith the structure of the fibers of the textile. In an embodiment, asilicone rubber and/or a fluorosilicone rubber is cured into a fabric.In a further embodiment, a silicone rubber and/or a fluorosiliconerubber is cured into a garment.

In an embodiment, when it is required to decrease the time of a curingprocess, a step of pre-curing by heating the silicone rubber at atemperature comprising from 80° C. to 200° C. is included. In anotherembodiment, a pre-curing step is carried out at a temperature comprisingfrom 90° C. to 165° C.

As depicted in FIGS. 20, 21 and 24, a flexible material, including,without limitation, a silicone rubber loaded with a conductive materialis screen-printed on a fabric 19, while treading partially on the oneround shaped end 20 a of the conductive support base 18; resulting inthe flexible material, including, without limitation, the siliconerubber penetrating into the orifices of the fabric, and the flexiblematerial, including, without limitation, silicone rubber being anchoredwith the structure of the fibers of the textiles when cured at roomtemperature after being screen-printed on the fabric. In anotherembodiment, the flexible semi-conductive track 17 is provided to thesurface of the fabric 19 and the at least one round shaped end 20 a ofthe conductive support base 18 includes a screen-printed flexiblematerial, including, without limitation, a silicone rubber and/orfluorosilicone rubber loaded with an electrically conductive material,and further wherein, a step of applying pressure when applying theflexible material, including, without limitation, the silicone rubberdirectly to the fabric and the at least one shaped end, including,without limitation, a round shaped end of the conductive support base,in order to eliminate any air bubble that will break and/or impede theconductivity. In an embodiment, a screen-printing process uses low speedand high pressure. In an embodiment, a pressure to be applied comprisesfrom 0.2 to 0.8 Kg/m², from 0.3 to 0.5 Kg/m²; or about 0.45 Kg/m². Inanother embodiment, a pressure to be applied comprises at least 0.1Kg/m², at least 0.2 Kg/m², at least 0.3 Kg/m², at least 0.4 Kg/m², atleast 0.5 Kg/m², at least 0.6 Kg/m², at least 0.7 Kg/m², at least 0.8Kg/m², at least 0.9 Kg/m², at least 1 or more Kg/m². In anotherembodiment, a pressure to be applied comprises at least 0.1 Kg/m², atleast 0.2 Kg/m², at least 0.3 Kg/m², at least 0.4 Kg/m², at least 0.5Kg/m², at least 0.6 Kg/m², at least 0.7 Kg/m², at least 0.8 Kg/m², atleast 0.9 Kg/m², at least 1 or more Kg/m².

A textile comprises, without limitation, any kind of woven, knitted, ortufted cloth, or a non-woven fabric (e.g. a cloth made of fibers thathave been bonded into a fabric). A textile further comprises, withoutlimitation, yarns, threads and wools that can be spun, woven, tufted,tied and otherwise used to manufacture cloth. An, “elastic material” is,without limitation, a material which relatively easily may be stretchedor compressed and is able to resume its original shape after beingstretched or compressed or resume close to its original shape afterbeing stretched or compressed.

In an embodiment, an electrical connector includes, without limitation,electrically conductive fasteners. In a further embodiment, andelectrically conductive fastener is, without limitation, a press stud(also sometimes referred to as a snap, a snap fastener, or a popper). Ina further embodiment, a press stud is, without limitation, made of apair of interlocking discs. As depicted in FIG. 24, a circular lip underone disc 10 fits into a groove on the top of the other 9, holding themfast until an amount of force is applied. In an embodiment, a press-studis, without limitation, attached to fabric by hammering, plying, orsewing. In a further embodiment, other kinds of fasteners may be used,including, without limitation, a magnet, a pin-socket or a plug-socketconnection (e.g. with the socket being provided on the sensorapparatus), a conductive Velcro® or other conductive metal clipfasteners. Any kind of a fastener that allows, without limitation, anelectronic device to be easily attached and detached may be used. In anembodiment, in use said electronic device is attached, withoutlimitation on the outside of the garment and may be easily attached anddetached by a user.

As depicted in FIGS. 21 and 24, a sensor is adapted to be incorporatedin a garment, the sensor comprising an assembly comprising, anelectrode, either the non-treaded area 20′b of one of the two flexibleconductive support bases 18 when each end of the track 17 a and 17 b aretreaded in two different support bases 18 or an electrode in electricalcontact with the second end of the track 17 b when only one support baseis present; the electrode being adapted to obtain physiological signalsthrough its contact with skin 12 of the wearer of the garment, forexample, without limitation a human.

As further depicted in FIGS. 20, 21 and 24, a sensor is that whereintrack 17 is electrically isolated from its contact with skin 12 of thewearer of the garment, and rigid electrical component 5 is an electricalconnector adapted to transmit a physiological signal obtained throughelectrode 3 to electronic instrument 14. The track is covered withinsulating material 8, including, without limitation, an isolatingsilicone rubber. Flexible conductive support base 18 is attached tofabric 19 with an adhesive, including, without limitation, a holt-meltadhesive.

Depicted in FIG. 23 is garment 7 comprising multiple sensors 1, eachwith electrode 3, track 4, and electrical connectors, including thosedepicted as 5 and 5′. In an embodiment, garment 7 can include, withoutlimitation, one or more sensors 1 wherein tracks 4 of the sensors areprinted on garment 7 in any manner, including, without limitation, astraight line, a curved line or other shape.

In an embodiment, a device comprising at least one sensor and anelectronic instrument for receiving, collecting, storing, processingand/or transmitting data from said sensor is herein provided. In anotherembodiment, a garment comprising a device is herein provided. In afurther embodiment, the device is arranged in the garment such that inuse the device is arranged substantially in an area which comprises asuitable location for measuring of various parameters, including, anindividual's electrocardiogram (ECG).

EXAMPLES Example 1

In this experiment the following garments were used: ZEPHYR™ H×M (madeby Zephyr Technology Corporation) (I), Polar TEAM² (made by PolarElectro, OY.) (II), NUMETREX® Cardio-Shirt (made by Textronics, Inc.)(III) and a shirt of the invention (IV), wherein the shirt of theinvention included a track and the electrode that were made ofconductive fabric and the electrode area has the orifices filled withsilicone rubber. The NUMETREX® Cardio-Shirt is a shirt with textileelectrodes knitted into the fabric. The ZEPHYR™ H×M strap and PolarTEAM² strap are straps with textile electrodes. The ZEPHYR™ H×M strapincludes an electrode and a resilient compressible filler providedbetween the garment and the electrode such that, in use, the electrodeis held substantially in place against the skin when the garment movesrelative to the user's skin. The Polar TEAM² strap includes a contactlayer including conductive fibres, and a moisture layer for retainingmoisture on top of the contact layer.

The test protocol was divided into different levels of physicalexigency: resting, daily activity and strong physical activity. Eachtest subject was monitored with a device compatible with all the strapsand shirts tested. The exercises of the protocol were defined asfollowing:

(I) Resting (A): the subject remained in a lying down position on atable for 30 seconds.(II) Daily activity included each of the following activities: (1)Standing (B): the subject stood on their feet for 20 seconds withoutmoving; (2) Sitting down/standing up (C): the subject sat down and stoodup from a chair 4 times, remaining 3 seconds in each state; (3) Bendingdown (D): the subject bent down 3 times, always in the same way (withoutflexing their knees); (4) Arm movement (E): the subject moved their armsin different directions (straight, horizontal and vertical) 3 timeseach; and (5) Walking (F): The subject walked at a approximate speed of3 km/h for 20 seconds.(III) Strong Physical Activity (H) is defined by: (1) Moderate-speedRunning (1): the subject ran at a speed of 6 km/h during 20 seconds; (2)Fast-speed Running (J): the subject sped up his pace until he reached 10km/h, then he stayed running at this speed during 15 seconds; (3) Strongarm movement (racket move) (K): the subject moved his arm stronglysimulating hitting a ball with a racket (with both arms), doing thismovement 5 times; (4) Torso turning (L): keeping the feet in the sameposition, the subject turned his torso in both directions, 5 times each;(5) Jumping (M): the subject jumped high, he will run two or threemeters and then he will jumped again. He repeated this movement 5 times.

Strong physical activity was more physically demanding than the dailyactivity. All the exercises done in the resting and daily activitieswere with the strap or shirt put directly onto the subject (no sweat)and all the strong physical activity was done with the strap or shirtworn by the subject where had sweated. When the differentelectrocardiographic signals were obtained with each shirt or strap wereperformed a sort of measures over these signals to evaluate thedifferent technologies. The measures performed on the signals were (foreach exercise of each activity):

Visual Measures

This measure is a direct recognition, just by watching the signal, ofthe quality of the signal acquired in terms of morphology and beatsdetected. This visual recognition is also used to identify what beats(QRS complexes) are recognizable as beats and which of them are toonoisy to be recognized by a cardiologist. A total of 250 beats wereanalyzed for resting and Daily Activity and for Strong Physical Activitya total of 500 beats were analyzed.

Measures Over the Signal

These measures were made on the signal registered in each exercise ofeach activity session. These measures involve manual and automaticanalysis of the recorded signals.

Autocorrelation:

The signal was segmented each 3 seconds with an overlap of 2 secondsbetween blocks and the autocorrelation was done of each block. Thismeasure follows the formula:

${R_{x}(m)} = {\left( {{1/N} - {m}} \right){\overset{N - 1}{\sum\limits_{n = 0}}{x_{n}x_{n + m}}}}$

where x is a signal of N samples. Then it's normalized regarding to thevalue of R_(x) (0). Next, the autocorrelation maximum that it's not theone in R_(x norm) (0) is obtained. At this point, it is believed thatthere is a maximum at this point because the signal is compared toitself without shift.

This index give us a measure of how much the signal resembles a shift toitself (starting from the premise that a heartbeat and the next one arevery similar). In this way, values close to 1 show that the signal isvery similar to a shifted copy of itself, so it's clean of noise, whilelow values show that the signal is corrupted by noise.

T-P Segment RMS:

The RMS (Root Mean Square) of the T-P segment was calculated in betweenheartbeats (aprox. 20 segments). This measure was done for each exerciseand, averaged, give an estimate of the noise in the signal, particularlyin Resting state, because the T-P segment is isoelectric.

These measures were done manually (to select the beginning and end ofeach segment). In those signals where the T wave was not present(ZEPHYR™ H×M and Polar TEAM² straps and NUMETREX® Cardio-Shirt inResting and Daily Activity), the segment is defined between twoconsecutive heartbeats. This value has to be as low as possible but hasto be contextualized with the QRS amplitude (see the pointRMS/AmplitudeRS).

Maximum T-P Segment:

It measures the maximum peak of noise of the different T-P segments.This value was useful to see if high peaks of noise contaminate oursignal.

Maximum Amplitudes:

The amplitudes of the QRS peaks were measured (R peaks and S peaks, toget RS amplitude) for the beats of each exercise. There was not apreferred value but higher values tend to be better to low ones (lowones are more prone to noise).

RMS/AmplitudeRS:

This factor was calculated with the measures explained in the previouspoints. This index gives an accurate idea of the noise of the system inthe different exercises. It is normalized to the RS Amplitude becauseeach shirt/strap captures a different amount of signals, differentamplitudes, so RMS in the T-P segment has to be contextualized to eachsensor strap or shirt. In general, a lower value is better.

Of all the index and values obtained, the most important ones areRMS/AmplitudeRS and Autocorrelation because both of them are very goodindicators of the noise that contaminate the signals and howrecognizable are the heartbeats in the registered signals.

The results were divided into and presented as three sections: resultsfor Resting Activity, Daily Activity and Strong Physical Activity.

Resting and Daily Activity

FIG. 6 depicts the amplitude RS (A(v)) in resting (A), stand (B),stand/sit (C), bend (D), arms (E), walk (F), and all the activities,resting, stand stand/sit, bend arms and walk (G) for ZEPHYR™ H×M strap(I), Polar TEAM² strap (II), NUMETREX® Cardio-Shirt (III) and a shirt ofthe invention (IV). The amplitude RS gives an idea of the signalcaptured by the system and it is understood that a high amplitude RS isbetter than a lower one. As depicted in FIG. 6, the shirt of theinvention was able to capture the signal more efficiently and betterthan the other garments. It also worked better in dry conditions as thisactivity session does not involve sweating.

FIG. 7 depicts RMS/Amplitude RS in resting (A), standing (B),standing/sitting (C), bending (D), arms (E), walking (F), and restingand daily activity (resting, standing, standing/sitting, bending armsand walking) (G) for ZEPHYR™ H×M strap (I), Polar TEAM² strap (II),NUMETREX® Cardio-Shirt (III) and the shirt of the invention (IV). Thisdata has value as the noise is contextualized regarding the AmplitudeRS,and it's a good measure of the SNR (Signal-to-Noise Ratio) of thesystem. The value calculated here is Noise-to-Signal, so the lower thisvalue the better. As depicted in FIG. 7, the shirt of the invention (IV)showed the lowest value.

FIG. 8 depicts the percentage of a good QRS complex in resting and dailyactivity for ZEPHYR™ H×M strap (I), Polar TEAM² strap (II), NUMETREX®Cardio-Shirt (III) and the shirt of the invention (IV). FIG. 8 depictshow many beats are recognizable as QRS at first sight. A total of 250beats were analyzed for each system, and the results depict the total ofthe Resting and Daily Activity Session (not divided into exercises). Thehigher the percentage the better. The highest value was found for theshirt of the invention (IV).

FIG. 9 depicts the autocorrelation value for ZEPHYR™ H×M strap (I),Polar TEAM² strap (II), NUMETREX® Cardio-Shirt (III) and the shirt ofthe invention (IV) in walking (F), arms (E), standing (B), bending (D),standing/sitting (C) and resting (A). This information provides a goodindicator of the quality, reproducibility and the similitude between theheartbeats. The closer this value is to 1, the better. The shirt of theinvention had the closest value to 1.

Strong Physical Activity

FIG. 10 depicts the Amplitude RS (A(v)) in mid-speed (H), fast-speed(I), torso-moving (J), racket (K), jumping (L), and all the activities,(mid-speed, fast-speed, torso moving, racket and jumping) (M) ZEPHYR™H×M strap (I), Polar TEAM² strap (II), NUMETREX® Cardio-Shirt (III) andthe shirt of the invention (IV). In Strong Physical Activity, likely asa result of the buildup of sweat on the test subject, the amplitude ofthe signal does not differ greatly between technologies, as the sweathelps the conduction of the electric potentials to the electrode anddecreases the impedance of the skin-electrode interface.

FIG. 11 depicts RMS/Amplitude RS in mid-speed (H), fast-speed (I),torso-moving (J), racket (K), jumping (L), and all the activities,mid-speed, fast-speed, torso moving, racket and jumping (M) for ZEPHYR™H×M strap (I), Polar TEAM² strap (II), NUMETREX® Cardio-Shirt (III) andthe shirt of the invention (IV). Based on the results, it is apparentthat the shirt of the invention had the best results.

FIG. 12 depicts the percentage of a good QRS complex during strongphysical activity for ZEPHYR™ H×M strap (I), Polar TEAM² strap (II),NUMETREX® Cardio-Shirt (III) and the shirt of the invention (IV). Basedon the results of the experiment, the shirt of the invention had thebest results.

FIG. 13 depicts the autocorrelation value for ZEPHYR™ H×M strap (I),Polar TEAM² strap (II), NUMETREX® Cardio-Shirt (III) and the shirt ofthe invention (IV) in mid-speed (H), fast-speed (I), torso-move (J),racket (K) and jump (L). Based on the results, the shirt of theinvention had the best results.

Example 2

The experiment involved a shirt of the invention (IV), wherein the trackand the electrode are made of conductive fabric and the electrode areahas the orifices filled with silicone rubber, and a shirt of theinvention without silicone rubber (V). The protocol followed was thesame as described above comparing a garment of the invention with othergarments by other manufacturers.

FIG. 14 depicts an RMS/Amplitude RS in mid-speed (H), fast-speed (I),torso-moving (J), racket (K), jumping (L), and all the activities,mid-speed, fast-speed, torso moving, racket and jumping (M) for a shirtof the invention (IV) and a shirt of the invention without siliconerubber in the orifices of the electrode area. As depicted, a shirt ofthe invention with silicone in the orifices of the electrode area hadthe best results, as seen by the lower noise and better signal. Inaddition, the shirt with silicone in the electrodes showed betteradherence to the skin.

Example 3

In this experiment, the performance of the fabric of the invention wasmeasured at different levels of stretching to evaluate how thestretching affected the quality of the signal. The fabric in the examplecomprises an electrically conductive area which comprises a conductivesilicone (VP97065/30 from Alpina Technische Produkte GmbH), twoelectrodes of conductive fabric made of conductive fibers andnon-conductive fibers, wherein the conductive fibers are made of silvercoated nylon (X-static® yarns from Laird Sauquoit Industries) andnon-conductive fibers are made of nylon.

To test and evaluate the signals transmitted through the electricallyconductive area (track) comprising conductive silicone VP97065/30, theelectrically conductive area was subjected to different levels ofstretching. Three states were evaluated: resting, electricallyconductive area stretched by about 25% and electrically conductive areastretched by about 50%.

The signal was generated by a PS420 Multiparameter Patient ECG Simulator(from Fluke Corporation) and passed through electrodes, and conductedvia the conductive silicone to an electronic instrument for receivingand transmitting the signal to a computer for visualization and furtheranalysis.

For reference, the Resting state of the electrically conductive areawhere it is not stretched, had a length 6.5 cm. For further reference,25% Stretching increased the length of the electrically conductive areato 8.125 cm and 50% Stretching increased the length of the electricallyconductive area to 9.75 cm. For each state (Resting, 25% and 50%stretching) two segments of signals were captured consisting of 9-10heart beats of the ECG Simulator (10 seconds each segment because thesimulator is configured at 60 beats per minute).

Visual Measures

This measure was determined by watching the signal and evaluating thequality of the signal acquired in terms of morphology and noisedetected. This visual recognition is also used to identify what beats(QRS complexes) and characteristic waves were recognizable and which ofthem are too noisy to be recognized by a cardiologist. A total of 500beats were analyzed for each different level of electrically conductivearea stretching.

Measures Over the Signal

These measures were made on the signal registered in each level ofstretching. These measures involve manual and automatic analysis of therecorded signals.

Cross correlation: the signal was separated between the different levelsof stretching and compared with the correlation between each other. Thecross-correlation was a measure of similarity of two waveforms as afunction of a time-lag applied to one of them. This was relevant as itwas used an ECG Simulator that generated the same beats with nodifference between them. As a result, when a cross-correlation betweentwo signals (one with no stretching and one with stretching) isconducted, the only difference between them will be the noise. Thismeasure goes from 0 (no similarity, completely different) to 1 (thesignals are equal).

RMS Noise: the RMS (Root Mean Square) of the T-P segment was becalculated in between heartbeats. This measure was done for eachstretching level and averaged. The RMS provides an estimate of the noisein the signal. These measures were done manually (to select thebeginning and end of each segment). Both values were very important andvery good estimators of the noise present in the signal and thedistortion introduced by the stretching of the silicone rubber loadedwith electrically conductive material.

Visual Results Obtained Taking Captures of the Signal Directly from theComputer

The line that crosses the ECG strips indicates the point where thestretching started and maintained until the end of the strip.

25% Stretching: Two examples, (FIG. 16, FIG. 17), it is seen that theleft part of the strip (left of the line) did not stretch theelectrically conductive area, and the right part of the strip (right ofthe line) did stretch the electrically conductive area.

50% Stretching: Two examples, (FIG. 18, FIG. 19), it is seen that theleft part of the strip (left of the line) did not stretch theelectrically conductive area, and the right part of the strip (right ofthe line) did stretch the electrically conductive area.

As depicted in these figure, it is clear that the quality of the signalwas barely affected by the stretching of the electrically conductivearea. While more noise was present and visible when the track wasstretched to 50%, this noise was not sufficient to corrupt the signal.In addition, the waves and characteristic points were still visible andwhat noise existed, was easily filtered in a post processing.

Signal Measures Results: RMS Noise

25% Stretching: The results are given for four different segments, twoof them with the electrically conductive area not stretched (NOSTRETCH_1 and NO STRETCH_2) and the other two with the electricallyconductive areas 25% stretched (25% STRETCHING_1 and 25% STRETCHING_2).

TABLE 1 RMS Noise RMS Noise No Stretch 1 0.11918993 25% Streching 10.13268027 No Stretch 2 0.14075932 25% Streching 2 0.14376695

In both cases, the signal without stretching the electrically conductiveareas had less noise than when the electrically conductive area wasstretched after that. This is further found when looking at the averageRMS Noise results in Table 2.

TABLE 2 Average RMS Noise RMS Noise No Stretch 0.12997463 25% Streching0.13822361

50% Stretching: The results are given for four different segments, twoof them with the electrically conductive area not stretched (NOSTRETCH_1 and NO STRETCH_2) and the other two with the electricallyconductive area 50% stretched (50% STRETCHING_1 and 50% STRETCHING_2).

TABLE 3 RMS Noise RMS Noise No Stretch 1 0.14470239 50% Streching 10.14615933 No Stretch 2 0.14576144 50% Streching 2 0.15123728

In both cases, the signal without stretching the electrically conductivearea had less noise than when the electrically conductive area wasstretched after that. This is further found when looking at the averageRMS Noise results in Table 2.

TABLE 4 Average RMS Noise RMS Noise No Stretch 0.14523191 50% Streching0.1486983

As the difference between the two states was not significant, it isapparent that very little noise was present due to the stretching of theelectrically conductive area.

Cross Correlation

Table 5 shows the results for the 25% Stretching and 50% Stretching.

TABLE 5 Cross Correlation Cross Correlation No Stretch/25% Strech0.975041781 No Stretch/50% Strech 0.960290

As seen in Table 5, the signal was barely corrupted by noise in eithersituation. Though the 50% stretching was a little worse than that of the25% stretching, the difference in the results was not significant asthey differed by only 4%.

Example 4

In this example, a comparative test between an elastic semi-conductivetrack directly in contact with a rigid electrical connector (Assembly 1)and the elastic semi-conductive track and flexible conductive supportbase assembly of the invention wherein the rigid electrical connector isin contact with the support base (Assembly 2) was conducted.

Assemblies where prepared with elastic semi-conductive track made withthe conductive silicone rubber loaded with carbon black, VP97065/30(Alpina Technische Produkte GmbH); Assembly 2 included a flexiblesupport base which was prepared with a conductive textile made withconductive fibres of silver coated nylon commercialized as X-STATIC®(Laird Sauquoit Industries), and non-conductive fibres of nylon; whereasthe substrate in both assemblies was made with polyester, nylon andLYCRA® fibres.

The tracks were 80 mm long and 15 mm wide. Tests were repeated 3 times.Resistivity between both extremes of the track was measured in order toevaluate the durability of the assembly. Resistivity increases withelongations of material, in case of a break the resistivity isdrastically increased. Generally, resistency values should not exceed 25kΩ. Each test consisted of applying three cycles of different lengths ofstretching. The first cycle of 30 repetitions subjected specimens to140% elongation (Table 6).

TABLE 6 100% 140% Assembly 1 001 1.7 kΩ   7 kΩ 002 2.2 kΩ 4.7 kΩ 003 1.6kΩ 5.8 kΩ Assembly 2 001 1.5 kΩ 2.3 kΩ 002   1 kΩ 1.6 kΩ 003 1.5 kΩ 2.3kΩ

In a further experiment, cycle of 30 repetitions subjected specimens to200% elongation (Table 7).

TABLE 7 100% 200% Assembly 1 001 1.7 kΩ 13.8 kΩ 002 2.2 kΩ 18.2 kΩ 0031.6 kΩ 10.4 kΩ Assembly 2 001 1.5 kΩ  6.1 kΩ 002   1 kΩ  4.2 kΩ 003 1.5kΩ  5.9 kΩ

A third cycle of 5 repetitions subjecting the specimens to 250%elongation (Table 8).

TABLE 8 100% 250% Assembly 1 001 1.7 kΩ 33.2 kΩ 002 2.2 kΩ  930 kΩ(break) 003 1.6 kΩ 29.4 kΩ Assembly 2 001 1.5 kΩ 10.6 kΩ 002   1 kΩ  8.3kΩ 003 1.5 kΩ 10.1 kΩ

In closing, it is to be understood that although aspects of the presentspecification are highlighted by referring to specific embodiments, oneskilled in the art will readily appreciate that these disclosedembodiments are only illustrative of the principles of the subjectmatter disclosed herein. Therefore, it should be understood that thedisclosed subject matter is in no way limited to a particularmethodology, protocol, and/or reagent, etc., described herein. As such,various modifications or changes to or alternative configurations of thedisclosed subject matter can be made in accordance with the teachingsherein without departing from the spirit of the present specification.Lastly, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describingparticular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope ofthe present invention, which is defined solely by the claims.Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to that precisely asshown and described.

Certain embodiments of the present invention are described herein,including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out theinvention. Of course, variations on these described embodiments willbecome apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading theforegoing description. The inventor expects skilled artisans to employsuch variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the presentinvention to be practiced otherwise than specifically described herein.Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalentsof the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permittedby applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-describedembodiments in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by theinvention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearlycontradicted by context.

Groupings of alternative embodiments, elements, or steps of the presentinvention are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member maybe referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with othergroup members disclosed herein. It is anticipated that one or moremembers of a group may be included in, or deleted from, a group forreasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion ordeletion occurs, the specification is deemed to contain the group asmodified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groupsused in the appended claims.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing a characteristic,item, quantity, parameter, property, term, and so forth used in thepresent specification and claims are to be understood as being modifiedin all instances by the term “about.” As used herein, the term “about”means that the characteristic, item, quantity, parameter, property, orterm so qualified encompasses a range of plus or minus ten percent aboveand below the value of the stated characteristic, item, quantity,parameter, property, or term. Accordingly, unless indicated to thecontrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the specification andattached claims are approximations that may vary. At the very least, andnot as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine ofequivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical indication shouldat least be construed in light of the number of reported significantdigits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstandingthat the numerical ranges and values setting forth the broad scope ofthe invention are approximations, the numerical ranges and values setforth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible.Any numerical range or value, however, inherently contains certainerrors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in theirrespective testing measurements. Recitation of numerical ranges ofvalues herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method ofreferring individually to each separate numerical value falling withinthe range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value of anumerical range is incorporated into the present specification as if itwere individually recited herein.

The terms “a,” “an,” “the” and similar referents used in the context ofdescribing the present invention (especially in the context of thefollowing claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and theplural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted bycontext. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitableorder unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearlycontradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplarylanguage (e.g., “such as”) provided herein is intended merely to betterilluminate the present invention and does not pose a limitation on thescope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the presentspecification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed elementessential to the practice of the invention.

Specific embodiments disclosed herein may be further limited in theclaims using consisting of or consisting essentially of language. Whenused in the claims, whether as filed or added per amendment, thetransition term “consisting of” excludes any element, step, oringredient not specified in the claims. The transition term “consistingessentially of” limits the scope of a claim to the specified materialsor steps and those that do not materially affect the basic and novelcharacteristic(s). Embodiments of the present invention so claimed areinherently or expressly described and enabled herein.

All patents, patent publications, and other publications referenced andidentified in the present specification are individually and expresslyincorporated herein by reference in their entirety for the purpose ofdescribing and disclosing, for example, the compositions andmethodologies described in such publications that might be used inconnection with the present invention. These publications are providedsolely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of the presentapplication. Nothing in this regard should be construed as an admissionthat the inventors are not entitled to antedate such disclosure byvirtue of prior invention or for any other reason. All statements as tothe date or representation as to the contents of these documents isbased on the information available to the applicants and does notconstitute any admission as to the correctness of the dates or contentsof these documents.

1. An assembly comprising an elastic semi-conductive or conductive trackand a flexible conductive support base assembly arranged on a fabric,the flexible conductive base being a textile comprising conductivefibers and having at least one of its ends shaped, wherein at least oneend of the track is in contact with said at least one shaped end of atleast one flexible conductive support base, and the non-contact area bythe track of the at least one flexible conductive support base is inelectrical contact with a rigid electrical component.
 2. The assembly ofclaim 1, wherein each end of the track are treading on two differentflexible conductive support bases.
 3. The assembly of claim 2, whereinon the non-treaded area of one of the flexible conductive support basesthere is arranged a rigid electrical component, and the non-treaded areaof the other flexible conductive support base is adapted to be used asan electrode.
 4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the conductive supportbase is attached to the fabric with an adhesive.
 5. The assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the track comprises a layer of silicone rubber and/orfluorosilicone rubber loaded with an electrically conductive material.6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the track comprises a layer of aroom temperature curing silicone rubber and/or fluorsilicone rubberloaded with an electrically conductive material selected from carbonfibres, carbon black, nickel coated graphite, copper fibres and mixturesthereof.
 7. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the thickness of theelastic and electrically conductive track comprising a thickness of atleast 25 μm, 50 μm, 75 μm, 100 μm, 120 μm, 130 μm, 140 μm, 150 μm, 160μm, 170 μm, 180 μm, 190 μm, 200 μm, 210 μm, 220 μm, 230 μm, 240 μm, 250μm, 260 μm, 270 μm, 280 μm, 290 μm, 300 μm, 325 μm, 350 μm, 375 μm, 400μm, 425 μm, 450 μm, 475 μm, 500 μm, 525 μm, 550 μm, 575 μm, 600 μm, 625μm, 650 μm, 675 μm, 700 μm, 725 μm, 750 μm, 775 μm, 800 μm, 825 μm, 850μm, 875 μm, 900 μm, 925 μm, 950 μm, 975 μm, 1000 μm.
 8. The assembly ofclaim 5, wherein the track is integrated into the textile fabricsubstrate and partially into the at least one shaped end of theconductive support base by anchoring the silicone with the structure ofthe fibres of the textile fabric substrate and the conductive supportbase when cured the silicone at room temperature after beingscreen-printed on them.
 9. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the siliconerubber and/or fluorosilicone rubber is screen-printed on a fabric and onthe at least one round shaped end of the conductive support baseapplying a pressure comprising at least 0.1 Kg/m², at least 0.2 Kg/m²,at least 0.3 Kg/m², at least 0.4 Kg/m², at least 0.5 Kg/m², at least 0.6Kg/m², at least 0.7 Kg/m², at least 0.8 Kg/m², at least 0.9 Kg/m², atleast 1 Kg/m².
 10. The assembly according of claim 1, wherein the curedtemperature of the silicone rubber and/or fluorosilicone rubber loadedwith an electrically conductive material is of from 20° C. to 200° C.,of from 50° C. to 140° C. or of from 100° C. to 120° C.
 11. The assemblyaccording of claim 1, wherein the cured temperature of the siliconerubber and/or fluorosilicone rubber loaded with an electricallyconductive material is no more than 5° C., no more than 10° C., no morethan 15° C., no more than 20° C., no more than 25° C., no more than 30°C., no more than 35° C., no more than 40° C., no more than 45° C., nomore than 50° C., no more than 55° C., no more than 60° C., no more than65° C., no more than 70° C., no more than 75° C., no more than 80° C.,no more than 85° C., no more than 90° C., no more than 95° C., no morethan 100° C., no more than 110° C., no more than 120° C., no more than130° C., no more than 140° C., no more than 150° C., no more than 160°C., no more than 165, no more than 170° C., no more than 180° C., nomore than 190° C., no more than 200° C., no more than 210° C., no morethan 220° C., no more than 230° C., no more than 240° C., no more than250° C., no more than 260° C., no more than 270° C., no more than 280°C., no more than 290° C. or no more than 300° C.
 12. A sensor adapted tobe incorporated in a garment, said sensor comprising an assembly ofclaim 3, wherein the electrode is adapted to obtain physiologicalsignals through its contact with the skin of the wearer of the garment.13. The sensor of claim 12, wherein a track is electrically isolatedfrom its contact with the skin of the wearer of the garment, and a rigidelectrical component is an electrical connector adapted to transmit aphysiological signal obtained through the electrode to an electronicinstrument.
 14. The sensor of claim 12, wherein the electrode comprisesa conductive fabric made of conductive fibers and non-conductive fibers.15. The sensor of claim 12, wherein the electrode is characterized inthat the conductive layer comprises a plurality of orificies filled withan silicone rubber throughout the conductive area.
 16. A devicecomprising the sensor as defined in claim 12, and an electronicinstrument for receiving, collecting, storing, processing and/ortransmitting data from said sensor.
 17. A garment comprising the deviceof claim
 16. 18. A method for monitoring a physiological signal of auser comprising receiving, collecting, storing, processing and/ortransmitting one or more parameters indicative of at least onephysiological signal of a user originating from at least one sensor asdefined in claim 13 incorporated in a garment; and evaluating saidphysiological signal along the time.
 19. The method of claim 18, whereinthe physiological signal is an ECG signal. 20-108. (canceled)